Crews from the Oregon Department of Transportation are working to make roads safe as a new round of winter storms hit Oregon yesterday. High winds plus heavy snow and rain are making travel hazardous in many corners of the state.
ODOT officials said the road surface is just one concern during winter storms. High winds and precipitation often cause debris such as trees and rocks to fall onto roadways. In the mountains and high elevation areas, heavy snow and high winds can create whiteout conditions, severely limiting visibility.
Travelers should stay aware and be prepared for delays and closures. Motorists should consult "tripcheck.com" and check weather forecasts on their planned routes. "Tripcheck.com" provides "live" cameras showing road conditions around the state along with other information that can help travel planning including altitude and temperature.
If you must travel during a winter storm, be prepared. Pack your vehicle with the essentials like tire chains, blankets, warm clothing, food, water and medications. Make sure your vehicle's fuel tank is full and your phone battery is fully charged.
Plan your route ahead of time -- and if you're following GPS navigation, make sure it sticks to main roads because most rural roads are not maintained in severe weather.
If you're walking or rolling to your destination, watch for lingering snow and ice on sidewalks. Winter weather may cause schedule changes, so check before you head out.
