SALEM, Ore. (Dec. 22, 2025) — As Oregonians prepare for one of the busiest travel periods of the year, state emergency officials are urging residents and visitors to take extra precautions as a series of weather systems moves across the region.
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management said Monday that rain, mountain snow and increasingly strong winds are expected through Wednesday, creating potentially hazardous travel conditions statewide and raising the risk of additional power outages.
According to the National Weather Service, waves of snow showers, gusty coastal winds and the potential for strong inland winds could impact travel, particularly over mountain passes, along the coast and on parts of the Interstate 5 corridor.
Mountain snow and wind risks
Snow showers are expected to continue through Tuesday, with snow levels ranging from about 2,500 to 4,000 feet. Travelers crossing the Cascades should be prepared for slick roads and reduced visibility.
Breezy to gusty winds are forecast to return to the coast and Coast Range, with a 45% to 70% chance of gusts exceeding 45 mph. A stronger wind event is possible Wednesday, with a 25% to 50% chance of major impacts, including inland gusts of 45 to 58 mph and coastal gusts between 55 and 70 mph, particularly along beaches and headlands.
Forecasters said the I-5 corridor could see up to six hours of peak gusts, though the exact timing remains uncertain.
Along the coast, there is a 10% to 25% chance of thunderstorms Monday, which could bring locally heavy rain, small hail, gusty winds and occasional lightning.
Flooding, outages and debris concerns
Minor flooding is expected to persist along the Pudding River at Aurora through Monday, though river levels are trending downward. Updated river forecasts are available through the National Weather Service.
OEM warned that recent heavy rainfall has saturated soils across western Oregon, increasing the likelihood of downed trees and power lines when combined with strong winds. Officials cautioned travelers to be prepared for sudden road blockages, localized power outages and delays on major routes.
Tree limbs can break without warning, particularly in high winds or under the weight of snow and ice, officials said, urging extra caution for anyone walking outdoors.
The agency also strongly advised people to stay out of rivers, streams and coastal waters. Runoff from last week’s atmospheric river continues to move through the system, leaving waterways filled with debris such as branches and logs, with a potential risk of sewage contamination. Fast-moving, cold water significantly increases the risk of injury or drowning.
Travel preparation urged
Emergency officials are encouraging travelers to check conditions before heading out, allow extra travel time and avoid rushing. Drivers are advised to keep fuel tanks full in case of detours or extended delays and to check real-time road conditions, chain requirements and incidents through TripCheck.com or by calling 511.
Residents and visitors are also urged to ensure wireless emergency alerts are activated on their phones and to sign up for local alerts through ORAlert.gov. Those traveling out of state should consult the destination state’s emergency management agency for alert information.
If motorists become stuck in snow, officials recommend running the vehicle periodically to stay warm while keeping the area around the exhaust pipe clear.
Drivers are also reminded to give snowplows space by never passing them and maintaining a safe following distance, as plows can create clouds of snow that reduce visibility.
OEM recommends carrying an emergency car kit that includes warm clothing and blankets, water and nonperishable food, a flashlight with extra batteries, chains or traction devices, an ice scraper and shovel, first-aid supplies, phone chargers and backup power, sand or kitty litter for traction, and a hand-crank weather radio.
Anyone encountering downed trees or power lines should never touch or move them, report hazards to local authorities and treat all lines as energized, officials said.
Looking ahead
Forecast confidence suggests a calmer and drier weather pattern may return by Saturday, Dec. 27. Even so, emergency officials urged the public to remain aware and stay informed as conditions continue to evolve.
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