Pendleton, Oregon – Heavy mountain snow continues to stack up across the Blue Mountains, with up to 15 inches expected before conditions ease Wednesday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 3 p.m. PST Wednesday for the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon and the Northwest Blue Mountains in Washington. An additional 10 to 15 inches of snow is forecast, with snowfall rates peaking overnight through early Wednesday morning.
Areas near Tollgate, Meacham and Ski Bluewood Resort face the toughest travel conditions. Snow-covered roads and reduced visibility will impact stretches of Interstate 84 near Meacham and mountain passes across Umatilla and Columbia counties. Periods of moderate to heavy snow will create slick pavement and slow-moving traffic through midday.
Officials urge drivers to delay travel if possible. Those who must head into the mountains should carry chains, blankets, water and a full winter survival kit. Downed tree limbs and isolated power outages are possible in higher elevations.
Snow intensity will gradually taper after midday Wednesday, but hazardous driving conditions may persist into the afternoon before improvement later in the day.
