Medford, OR – Heavy rain and high winds are set to hit Oregon’s coastal areas Friday morning through Saturday evening, prompting safety concerns. Winds reaching up to 50 mph are expected to combine with 2-3 inches of rainfall, creating dangerous conditions for travelers and potential power outages.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Medford, the heaviest rainfall will occur Friday evening south of Cape Blanco, with gusty winds beginning earlier in the day. Residents in affected areas should secure loose outdoor items, prepare for potential outages, and avoid unnecessary travel during peak conditions.
For inland areas, including the Shasta Valley and southern Rogue Valley, sustained winds of 25-35 mph and gusts of up to 55 mph are expected. The strongest winds will continue through Friday, increasing the likelihood of fallen trees and downed power lines along major routes like I-5.
Mount Shasta City is expected to see heavy snowfall, with accumulations of 12-18 inches forecast by Saturday morning. Snow will primarily affect elevations above 4,000 feet, with hazardous driving conditions expected.
Temperatures across southern Oregon will remain cold, with highs in the mid-40s through the weekend and lows dipping into the 30s at night.
The weather service advises keeping an emergency kit ready, avoiding unnecessary travel, and staying informed through local updates. Drivers on I-5 and Highway 101 should exercise extreme caution during peak wind and rain events.
Be sure to monitor NWS alerts for changes and additional warnings as conditions evolve.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram & like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS!
