Pendleton, OR – A major winter storm is set to bring heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions to parts of Oregon and Northern California through the weekend. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the East Slopes of the Oregon Cascades from 5 p.m. Wednesday through 11 p.m. Thursday, with a Winter Storm Watch extending into Saturday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Pendleton, areas above 4,000 feet are expected to receive 6 to 12 inches of snow, with totals reaching 16 inches by Saturday. Winds could gust up to 45 mph, reducing visibility and making travel treacherous, particularly on U.S. Route 20 over Santiam Pass.
Meanwhile, the NWS in Medford has issued warnings for South Central and Western Siskiyou County in Northern California. Snow levels are expected to drop as low as 2,000 feet by Thursday morning, with accumulations ranging from 5 to 24 inches, particularly along Interstate 5, Highway 97, and Highway 89. Wind gusts of 50 mph may further impact travel…