Weather
Oregon Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: When Snow Turns Dangerous
Salem, OR – Winter Weather Awareness Week begins Sunday, October 25, with an important question for Oregon residents: What actually makes a winter storm a blizzard? From the Cascade Mountains to the o
By Lena Wood · 2026-10-25T17:52:17.500Z
Salem, OR – Winter Weather Awareness Week begins Sunday, October 25, with an important question for Oregon residents: What actually makes a winter storm a blizzard? From the Cascade Mountains to the open terrain of eastern Oregon, powerful winds and blowing snow can create dangerous travel conditions even without heavy new snowfall.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , a blizzard occurs when sustained winds or frequent gusts reach at least 35 mph, accompanied by falling or blowing snow that reduces visibility to one quarter mile or less for at least three hours.
Heavy snowfall isn't required. Strong winds can lift existing snow from the ground, producing a ground blizzard and dangerous whiteouts after snowfall has stopped.
What's the Difference Between a Watch and a Warning? A Winter Storm Watch means significant winter weather is possible, giving residents time to prepare.
A Winter Storm Warning means dangerous winter conditions are expected or already occurring.
A Blizzard Warning indicates blizzard conditions are expected or underway. Travel can become extremely dangerous as visibility drops and drifting snow blocks highways.
What Should Oregon Residents Have Ready? Before winter storms arrive, households should prepare emergency supplies, including:
Food and water: At least three days of nonperishable food and one gallon of water per person daily. Warmth: Extra blankets, sleeping bags, insulated clothing and safe backup heating options. Emergency supplies: Flashlights, batteries, medications, first aid kits and charged power banks. Vehicles: A full gas tank, blankets, jumper cables, an ice scraper, a small shovel and emergency supplies. Snow removal: Shovels, ice melt, rock salt and traction materials. Never operate generators, outdoor grills or other fuel burning outdoor equipment indoors or inside garages because of deadly carbon monoxide risks.
Why It Matters Across Oregon From Portland and Multnomah County to Salem, Eugene, Bend, Medford, Pendleton and communities throughout eastern Oregon, winter weather hazards vary significantly across the state.
The Cascade Mountains can experience intense snowfall, powerful winds and dangerous whiteouts. Santiam Pass on U.S. Highway 20 and Willamette Pass on Oregon Route 58 are major travel corridors where winter storms can cause restrictions and closures.
Interstate 84 through the Columbia River Gorge and eastern Oregon can become hazardous when strong winds combine with snow or freezing rain. Exposed stretches of Interstate 84 near Pendleton and La Grande are particularly vulnerable to blowing snow and rapidly changing visibility.
Central and eastern Oregon communities can also experience drifting snow, extreme cold and dangerous rural highway conditions.
In the Willamette Valley and Portland metropolitan area, freezing rain and ice storms are often greater concerns than blizzards. Ice accumulation can damage trees, interrupt electricity and make bridges and overpasses hazardous.
Mountain travelers should also monitor avalanche conditions, which can become dangerous even without an official blizzard warning.
As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31, residents are encouraged to review emergency plans, check supplies and monitor official NWS forecasts and TripCheck road conditions.
Remember: A blizzard is defined by wind, visibility and duration — not snowfall totals.