Medford, OR – A powerful winter storm is bringing heavy snow and strong winds to Northern California and Southern Oregon, making travel hazardous through Saturday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning and Winter Storm Watch for the region, with significant snowfall expected at higher elevations.
According to the National Weather Service, the Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 11 a.m. Thursday, impacting areas including Mount Shasta, Dunsmuir, McCloud, Bray, and Tennant in Siskiyou County, as well as Scott Bar, Happy Camp, and Etna in western Siskiyou County. Snow accumulations are expected to range from 1 to 4 inches below 3,500 feet and up to 36 inches in higher elevations above 6,000 feet, with wind gusts reaching 50 mph.
A Winter Weather Advisory is also in effect for South-Central Oregon Cascades and the Siskiyou Mountains, including Crescent Lake, Diamond Lake, and Howard Prairie, with an additional 5 to 15 inches of snow expected by Thursday night. A more intense Winter Storm Watch follows from Thursday evening through Saturday morning, bringing up to 24 inches of snow and continued high winds.
Travel in the region could be very difficult to impossible, especially along Interstate 5 south of Weed, Highway 97, and Highway 89. Snow levels will drop to 2,000 feet overnight, impacting lower valleys.
Motorists are urged to check road conditions at quickmap.dot.ca.gov or tripcheck.com before traveling. Residents should prepare for power outages, road closures, and rapidly changing conditions.
