A strong winter storm is approaching our region and the NWS Medford has revised forecast details. Windy conditions are expected locally by 6am Friday with gusts up to 35mph or higher possible. Klamath Falls is now forecast to receive 1-2″ of snow from this storm. Driving conditions in mountain areas could be become dangerous with possible white out conditions and heavy snow above 4500 to 5000 feet elevations.
An active weather pattern with several systems moving through southern Oregon and northern California will bring widespread rain and significant mountain snow. Peak rainfall is expected to begin early Friday morning and persisting through late Friday afternoon, peak snowfall will also occur during the similar time frame. The strongest winds will begin late Thursday night and will lower West of the Cascades during Friday afternoon, while remaining strong east of the Cascades up to Friday night . Large waves will cause additional marine concerns as early as Friday morning at the coast.
Latest Forecast Graphics:
Winter Weather Advisory issued November 12 at 2:20PM PST until November 14 at 1:00AM PST by NWS Medford
…Heavy Snow over the mountains in the Cascades, East Side, and higher terrain in the Mount Shasta area Friday and Friday night…
.A potent storm system is expected to move into the area Friday and Friday night. This system is poised to bring heavy snow and strong winds to elevations above 5000 feet for areas from the Cascades east. In the Mount Shasta area, heavy snow is also possible above 4000 feet with moderate snow down to 3000 feet. Heavy snow combined with strong, gusty winds could cause significant tree damage and bring whiteout conditions at times.
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM FRIDAY TO 1 AM PST SATURDAY…
* WHAT… Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 7 inches. Winds gusting around 35 to 50 mph.
* WHERE… Klamath Basin north and east of Klamath Falls, including Highway 97 north of Chiloquin, near Spring Creek grade and Crescent. Also, Highway 140 near Doak Mountain and areas near Bonanza and Lorella.
* WHEN… From 7 AM Friday to 1 AM PST Saturday.
* IMPACTS… Plan on slippery road conditions at times. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. Blowing snow may significantly reduce visibility.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS… Snow levels will start out near 4000 feet, then will gradually rise to 5000 ft during the day. Snow levels may briefly rise above 5000 feet in the late afternoon but then will lower to 4000 feet in the evening.
* View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/HAZARD
* Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination.
* Carry tire chains and be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities.
* See https://www.tripcheck.com or http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov for latest road conditions.
* A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means that periods of snow will cause travel difficulties.
