Eugene, Oregon – Travel through the Oregon Cascades could become impossible within hours Wednesday morning as heavy snow begins falling at rates exceeding 1 inch per hour, rapidly burying mountain passes.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Portland, Pendleton, and Medford, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 5 a.m. Wednesday through 5 p.m. Thursday across the Cascades. Snow totals will range from 10 to 18 inches in the central Cascades, 9 to 14 inches along the east slopes, and 12 to 24 inches in southern Oregon, with up to 30 inches possible near Crater Lake. Wind gusts could reach 40 to 50 mph at higher elevations.
Santiam Pass, Willamette Pass, and Highway 58 corridors will see the most intense snowfall between 4 and 7 p.m. Wednesday and again between 3 and 8 a.m. Thursday, when snowfall rates could exceed 1 to 2 inches per hour. Visibility may drop sharply, leading to whiteout conditions.
In southern Oregon, including Crater Lake and Diamond Lake, heavy snow combined with strong winds may down tree branches and make travel along Highways 62, 138, and 140 extremely dangerous.
Officials urge drivers to delay travel, carry chains, and prepare for road closures.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve late Thursday, but warnings remain in effect as dangerous travel continues through the day.
