Medford, Oregon – Snow levels are dropping to near 500 feet by Wednesday afternoon, setting up slick travel along Interstate 5, Highway 62 and Highway 99 before another widespread round of snowfall arrives late Wednesday into Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, showers will become more focused along and east of the Coast Range through Wednesday afternoon, with snow levels lowering to valley floors. Conditions are expected to mirror what occurred Tuesday morning, when accumulating snow created hazardous travel across portions of Jackson and Josephine counties.
Another system pushes in late Wednesday, bringing widespread precipitation through Thursday. Snow levels are forecast to fall to valley floors again before showers diminish late Thursday. Roads including I-5 over Sexton Summit and Hayes Hill, Highway 140 near Lake of the Woods and Highway 62 toward Crater Lake could become snow-covered during heavier bursts.
Cold temperatures will persist into Friday, though drier conditions are likely for most areas. By the weekend, the pattern shifts to a southerly flow, raising snow levels to between 3,000 and 5,000 feet. That system may bring periods of moderate to heavy rain and snow along with strong winds, especially in higher terrain and exposed roadways.
Drivers should prepare for rapidly changing road conditions through Thursday, carry traction devices and check TripCheck before traveling. Additional advisories may be issued as the next system approaches late Wednesday.
