The National Weather Service has upgraded a Winter Storm Watch for southwest Oregon to a Winter Storm Warning above 2,500 feet as well as a Winter Weather Advisory above 1,500 feet.
The Winter Storm Warning for Jackson, Josephine, eastern Curry and eastern Douglas counties runs from 4 p.m. today through 4 a.m. Friday. The Winter Weather Advisory for the region runs from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday.
Heavy snow is expected above 2,500 feet, with total snow accumulations of six to nine inches. There will be over a foot of snow in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness and Douglas County foothills. Winds are expected to gust as high as 60 miles per hour.
Snow is expected above 1,500 feet, with total accumulations of one to three inches possible and up to six inches above 2,000 feet. Winds could gust up to 30 miles per hour.
The Winter Storm Warning includes the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, the Tiller-Trail Highway and portions of Highway 138. The Winter Weather Advisory includes portions of Interstate 5 north of Grants Pass, Hayes Hill Summit, and Highways 199, 138 and 42 near Camas Mountain. Affected communities may include Cave Junction, Selma, O'Brien and Glendale.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible at times. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning and evening commutes. Strong winds could cause tree damage.
Travel is strongly discouraged because of dangerous driving conditions. But if you must travel, keep tires chains, a flashlight, blankets, food, water, medications and a fully-charged phone with you.
