Jefferson County, Ore. – A mix of wintry wet weather is expected to begin Tuesday in Jefferson County. The National Weather Service in Pendleton has issued a Winter Storm Watch in effect Tuesday night (12/1/15) through Wednesday (12/2/15).
A cold front is expected to arrive on Tuesday and then transition into a warm front on Wednesday. Precipitation will begin as snow and then turn to freezing rain due to the cold air trapped in the low elevations. Some significant ice accumulations is possible.
Motorists are advised to anticipate hazardous driving conditions in the following locations:
Interstate 84 including The Dalles, Arlington and Boardman;
OR19 including the cities of Condon and Fossil;
US197 including the cities of Dufur and Maupin;
US97 including the cities Madras and Redmond;
US26 near the city of Prineville.
ODOT is advising motorists on these highways to be prepared for 2 – 5 inches of snow, perhaps turning to freezing rain.
For the latest driving conditions visit www.tripcheck.com, or call 511 for highway information.
Locations include: Redmond, Prineville, Madras, Maupin, Arlington, The Dalles, Boardman, Hermiston, Ione, Heppner, Condon, Fossil, Dufur, White Salmon, Ellensburg, Thorp, Naches, Sunnyside, Toppenish, Yakima, Appleton, Cle Elum, Cliffdell, Goldendale and Bickleton.
Ice accumulations are forecast to be a quarter of an inch or more. Snow accumulations are forecast 2-5 inches before turning over to freezing rain or rain. Accumulating ice and snow will cause very slick and dangerous conditions for driving and walking.
NOAA’s website: HTTP://WWW.WRH.NOAA.GOV/WRH/WHV/?WFO=PDT