Winter Weather Advisory and Storm Warnings Issued for Southern Oregon Cascades

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory, effective until 4 AM Friday, and subsequent Winter Storm Warnings for elevations above 4500 feet in the Southern Oregon Cascades. The warnings extend from 4 AM Friday to 4 AM Saturday and 4 AM Saturday to 10 PM Saturday.

Expected Conditions:

Winter Weather Advisory: Additional snow accumulations of up to 6 inches are anticipated, impacting elevations above 4000 feet. Commuters are warned of very difficult to impossible travel conditions during this period.
Winter Storm Warning: Heavy snow, with pockets of blowing snow, is expected. Total snow accumulations ranging from 7 to 30 inches are forecasted. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph over exposed terrain.

Affected Areas:
The advisory covers elevations above 4000 feet in the South Central Oregon Cascades and Southern Oregon Cascades. The warnings specifically apply to elevations above 4500 feet, including Diamond Lake Junction, Willamette Pass, Crater Lake, and highways 52, 230, 62, and 138 in the high Cascades.

Timing and Impact:

The Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 4 AM Friday.
The Winter Storm Warning spans from 4 AM Friday to 10 PM Saturday.
Travel during this period is strongly discouraged due to potentially hazardous conditions, impacting both morning and evening commutes.

Additional Details:

Snow levels are expected to reach 3500 feet before gradually rising into Saturday.
Variable snow accumulations are forecasted, with 3 to 6 inches expected in the Siskiyou Mountains.

Precautionary Measures:

Travel is strongly discouraged due to dangerous conditions. Detouring during winter storms is not recommended.
Citizens are urged to take protective action now in response to the imminent severe winter weather.