Pendleton, Oregon – Snow-covered highways and slick secondary roads are slowing drivers across eastern Oregon and southeast Washington early Wednesday as snow showers continue through the afternoon, with heavier totals expected in the Cascades by midday.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 3 p.m. PST Wednesday for the Grande Ronde Valley, Wallowa County, the Southern Blue Mountains, the John Day Basin and nearby foothills, including communities such as La Grande, Enterprise, Joseph, Pendleton and Walla Walla. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected, with up to 2 inches in lower foothill areas.
In the Ochoco-John Day Highlands, including Prairie City and Seneca, up to 3 inches of snow will continue through midafternoon. Meanwhile, a separate advisory takes effect at 10 a.m. Wednesday for the east slopes of the Oregon Cascades, including Sisters, Sunriver and La Pine, where 4 to 8 inches of snow is expected through 10 a.m. Thursday.
Periods of moderate snowfall may briefly reduce visibility and create slippery conditions on Interstate 84, Highway 82 and U.S. 395. Drivers should slow down, allow extra travel time and check TripCheck.com or 511 for the latest road conditions. Advisories remain in effect through Wednesday afternoon, with Cascades impacts lasting into Thursday morning.
