Oregon – Snowflakes swirl through the Rogue Valley this morning, and the air feels biting at 30 degrees. Wet pavement is turning slushy in spots, especially on bridges and shaded roads. Traction changes quickly as bands move through.
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect above 2,000 feet until 10 a.m. Thursday, with a Winter Weather Advisory below 2,000 feet for Medford and surrounding communities. Valley locations can expect 1 to 3 inches of snow. Higher elevations may see 3 to 6 inches, with up to 10 inches above 2,500 feet.
Travel along I-5, Highways 140, 62, 238 and 227 could become very difficult at times. Jacksonville Hill and other higher passes are especially vulnerable. Wet, slushy roads may turn icy as temperatures hover near freezing. This is prime time for flash freezing when bursts of snow melt, then refreeze.
Snow chances continue through tonight, with lows dipping into the lower 20s. Even light accumulation can create slick conditions before sunrise. Allow extra travel time and keep emergency supplies in your vehicle.
Thursday brings snow before 1 p.m., then a mix of rain and snow as snow levels rise to around 1,800 feet. Highs reach near 43. Little additional accumulation is expected in town, but hills stay hazardous.
Friday turns partly sunny with a high near 43. Another rain-snow chance returns Friday night into Saturday, with highs climbing toward the upper 40s. By Sunday, temperatures push near 51 with rain.
Early next week trends milder, with highs approaching the upper 40s to low 50s. Longer-range outlooks suggest above-normal temperatures late next week, hinting at early spring warmth after this round of Winter Vengeance.
Five Day Outlook for Medford, Oregon:
Today: High 42, rain and snow likely.
Thursday: High 43, snow then rain.
Friday: High 43, partly sunny.
Saturday: High 47, rain/snow chance.
Sunday: High 51, rain.
