Overview
- The National Weather Service in Pendleton has a Winter Storm Warning in effect for the east slopes and crest of the Oregon Cascades from Tuesday evening through early Thursday.
- Forecasters expect 6 to 12 inches of snow above 4,000 feet, with the highest totals along the Cascade crest.
- Winds could gust up to 45 mph, which will lower visibility, make roads slick, and may bring down tree branches.
- Mountain passes such as Santiam and Willamette will face the toughest travel, while areas below 4,000 feet along US 97, US 26, and US 20 see lighter snow and the high desert sees cold rain.
- Officials urge people to delay trips or pack chains and a winter kit, with steady snow giving way to showers Wednesday before drying Thursday afternoon and milder weather into the weekend.