Medford, Oregon – Travel across Southern Oregon’s mountains could become dangerous quickly beginning Tuesday afternoon as a powerful winter storm targets the Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains with heavy snow and strong winds. Drivers heading toward Crater Lake, Diamond Lake, or across Siskiyou Summit may encounter rapidly deteriorating road conditions and potential closures.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Thursday morning for elevations above 3,500 feet in the southern Oregon Cascades and Siskiyous. Snowfall of 4 to 10 inches is expected Tuesday evening into early Wednesday, followed by a brief lull before another round brings an additional 8 to 20 inches in the Cascades and 3 to 8 inches in the Siskiyou Mountains. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph on exposed ridges.
Highways 138, 140, 230, 62 near Union Creek, Highway 66, and portions of Interstate 5 are all at risk for hazardous travel. In eastern Douglas County foothills, snow will spread above 2,000 feet Wednesday afternoon, impacting Highway 138 near Toketee Falls with up to 14 inches at higher elevations.
Officials urge travelers to avoid non-essential trips, carry emergency supplies, and check TripCheck or call 511 before heading out. Warnings remain in effect through Thursday morning, and additional advisories may be issued as conditions evolve.
