Medford, OR – Drivers across southern Oregon face slick highways and sudden ice within the next few hours as snow continues to stack up along key corridors including Interstate 5 and Highway 62 through 10 a.m. Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, snowfall totals will vary sharply with elevation, but several mountain passes could pick up between 3 and 7 inches by 10 a.m. Thursday. A separate 24-hour period ending 10 a.m. Wednesday is expected to bring 1 to 3 inches for areas including Lake of the Woods, Siskiyou Summit and parts of Highway 140. Forecasters warn that nearly the entire region will see overnight lows drop below 32 degrees, increasing flash freeze concerns each night through late week.
Along I-5 near Sexton Summit and Siskiyou Summit, snow-covered pavement and reduced visibility could slow traffic during the morning commute. Highway 62 toward Crater Lake and Highway 140 east of Medford may see quick accumulations, especially above 2,500 feet. In Lake and Modoc counties, including Lakeview and Alturas, isolated bands could drop around 2 inches by Wednesday morning.
ODOT crews are monitoring conditions, but drivers should carry chains, reduce speeds and allow extra braking distance. Wet pavement in Medford, Ashland and Grants Pass may refreeze before sunrise, creating black ice on bridges and overpasses.
Snow levels will fluctuate through Thursday morning before tapering, but subfreezing temperatures will keep roads icy into early Friday. Additional advisories remain possible if heavier bands develop overnight.
