Medford, OR – A significant winter storm continues to impact southern Oregon and northern California, bringing heavy snowfall and gusty winds through Saturday. Travelers should prepare for hazardous road conditions, especially in higher elevations.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for portions of Klamath, Modoc, and Lake counties until 11 a.m. Thursday. These areas, including Adel, Valley Falls, and Alturas, could see snow accumulations between 2 to 6 inches, with up to 10 inches at elevations above 5,500 feet. Winds are expected to gust up to 55 mph in higher mountain regions, making travel dangerous along highways 140, 395, 299, and 31.
Additionally, the South Central Oregon Cascades, Siskiyou Mountains, and Southern Oregon Cascades remain under a Winter Weather Advisory until 11 p.m. Thursday. These areas, including Crater Lake and Diamond Lake, could receive an additional 5 to 15 inches of snow, with gusty winds up to 50 mph. A Winter Storm Watch will take effect Thursday evening, lasting through Saturday morning, with snow accumulations of 12 to 24 inches possible in higher elevations.
Jackson County, including Ashland and Medford, is also under a Winter Weather Advisory from 3 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday. Snow levels around 2,000 feet could bring up to 3 inches of accumulation, affecting major roadways such as I-5 south of Ashland and Highway 238 at Jacksonville Hill.
