Challenging and rapidly changing weather conditions are happening now in every corner of Oregon. Avoid traveling if you can.
The Columbia River Gorge around Cascade Locks is experiencing very low visibility with blowing snow. Avoid this area if you can.
Heavy snow is also impacting travel on Interstate 5 in southern Oregon, including the Siskiyou Pass. Caltrans has closed I-5 40 miles south of the Oregon border. At Caltrans request, southbound I-5 traffic will be held in Oregon at milepost 11 (South Ashland) and released every 20 minutes. Chains are required for all vehicles traveling over the Siskiyou Pass; four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles that are towing must chain up. Travelers can expect extended delays and intermittent closures.
In the Portland Metro area, snow, ice and strong winds are toppling trees and bringing down powerlines. Widespread power outages mean that many electronic road signs and traffic lights may be out. Treat traffic signals that aren’t working like a four-way stop. Never drive over downed power lines.
Our crews want to give a heartfelt thank you to every person who decided not to travel this weekend. Staying off the roads gives our crews and emergency responders the space to get where they need to go.
Road and weather conditions can change quickly and make travel difficult or impossible. For the latest state highway information and to see current closures, visit Tripcheck.com. For the latest weather, visit the National Weather Service website.
If you must travel this weekend, be prepared
Safety is our priority – for travelers and our road crews. If you decide to travel, plan extra time for your journey and carry emergency supplies. Delays and closures are happening statewide. Expect to encounter chain restrictions.
Give snowplows and emergency crews extra space to do their work, and never pass a snowplow on the right. Our crews are working hard to clear roads, but their job becomes more difficult when disabled cars and trucks block traffic.
For more winter weather driving tips, see our winter travel news packet.
To see images from this winter event from across Oregon, see our January 2024 Flickr album.
