Medford, OR – Active winter weather is returning to southern Oregon and northern California, with two storm fronts expected to impact the region from Thursday through Sunday, bringing rain, strong winds, and heavy mountain snow.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, light rain and high snow levels are expected through Thursday night, followed by mostly dry conditions Friday morning. By late Friday, gusty winds are forecast to develop across the Shasta Valley, coastal areas, and mountain regions, with rain and higher-elevation snow increasing Friday evening and overnight.
A stronger storm system is expected to arrive Saturday, raising concerns for hazardous travel and potential impacts in mountain communities. The NWS has issued a Winter Storm Watch for elevations above 5,000 feet in western and southern Siskiyou County, where heavy snow is possible from Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening.
Snow levels are forecast to start near 6,000 feet Saturday, then fall to 5,000–5,500 feet Saturday evening, and could drop as low as 4,500–5,000 feet by Sunday night, potentially affecting mountain passes in the Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains.
In addition to snow, strong southerly winds are expected, with the strongest gusts developing Saturday into Saturday night. High Wind Watches are in effect for parts of the Shasta Valley and along the Curry County coast, where damaging winds and difficult travel may occur.
Rain and mountain snow are expected to persist into Sunday as a low-pressure system moves into the region. The NWS also warns that urban areas, creeks, and streams in Siskiyou, Curry, and southern Josephine counties could experience high streamflows and roadway ponding.
Residents are urged to monitor forecasts closely and prepare for changing conditions, especially if traveling through higher elevations this weekend.
