Medford, Oregon – Secure loose outdoor items before late Wednesday morning as wind gusts intensify along Interstate 5 and surrounding highways, creating hazardous crosswinds by 10 a.m. Gusts could peak near 45 mph in exposed areas, especially near Sexton Summit, Siskiyou Summit and east of the Cascades through 7 p.m. Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph will develop late Wednesday morning, with stronger gusts between 35 and 45 mph in the windiest terrain. The strongest conditions are expected along and east of the Cascade foothills, including areas near Highway 97, Highway 140 and higher elevations surrounding Klamath Falls.
Travel along I-5 between Ashland and Grants Pass may become difficult for semitrucks, RVs and other high-profile vehicles. Crosswinds could also impact drivers along Highway 62 toward Crater Lake and Highway 199 near Cave Junction. Blowing debris and isolated downed tree limbs remain possible, particularly in open and elevated locations.
Utility crews are monitoring for sporadic outages if branches contact power lines. Residents should secure patio furniture, trash bins and lightweight decorations before winds peak this afternoon. Those towing trailers or driving box trucks should consider delaying travel through exposed mountain passes until winds ease after sunset.
Conditions gradually improve late Wednesday evening as gusts taper off, but breezy weather may linger overnight in higher elevations. Additional statements could be issued if wind speeds trend higher than projected during the afternoon peak.
