Winter storm warnings issued for five states telling people to avoid travel

Multiple winter storm warnings have been issued in five different states, with some advising people to avoid travel.

Parts of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana are under winter storm warnings with heavy snow expected in all of those states.

Almost all of the warnings advise people not to travel in these conditions.

Oregon

Several warnings cover counties in the southeastern part of the state, with some going into California. One includes Highway 97 near Mt. Hebron, Medicine Lake and Warner Mountains, from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM PST on Monday.

Another, in place from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM PST on Monday, includes portions of the 58, 230, 138, 62, 140 and 66 freeways.

The Medford National Weather Service (NWS) said, “Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could affect the Monday morning and evening commute. Strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.

“If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.”

“Individuals should consider delaying all travel,” the NWS said. “Motorists should use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary.”

Meanwhile, a separate winter storm warning is in place for eastern Douglas County Foothills County – from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM PST Monday.

Portland’s NWS has issued a winter storm warning for the western foothills of the northern and central Oregon Cascades, where heavy snow is expected, from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM PST Monday.

“Travel can be very difficult,” the service said. “Blowing snow in patches can significantly reduce visibility.

“Significant snowfall with periods of heavy snowfall will combine with low visibility to create very difficult driving conditions,” forecasters along the Oregon Cascades’ eastern slopes said.

Pendleton’s NWS said, “If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider bringing a winter storm kit with you, including items such as tire chains, utility cables, flashlights, shovel, blankets and extra clothing.

“Also take water, a first aid kit and anything else that can help you survive if you get stranded.

“Do not touch downed power lines and report any power outages to your utility company. Travel is strongly discouraged due to slippery roadways and the possibility of downed trees and power lines.”

Washington

In Washington, a winter storm warning is currently in effect until 10 PM PST Monday for Mazama, Holden Village, Loup Loup Pass, Stehekin, Winthrop, Conconully, Methow, Twisp and Stevens Pass.

“Motorists should use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary,” the Spokane NWS said.

Another warning covers Dobson Pass, Mullan, Osburn, Lookout Pass and Fourth of July Pass until 6 p.m. 10 p.m. PST Monday. Heavy snow is expected, and the NWS emphasizes that “travel may be very difficult over Lookout Pass.”

Meanwhile, a winter storm warning issued for Saturday is in place from 5 p.m. 5 on Sunday until 10 a.m. PST Monday, covering slopes and passes in much of the Cascades.

“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slippery and dangerous,” the Seattle NWS said.

Idaho

Heavy snow is also expected in Idaho, with a winter storm warning across the Centennial Mountains, in Island Park, from 17.00 Sunday to 8:00 PM MST Monday.

Pocatello NWS said, “Travel may be very difficult. The hazardous conditions may affect the Monday morning and evening commute.”

Wyoming

A winter storm warning is in place from 10.00 Sunday to 10 PM MST Monday across the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains.

Heavy snow is expected, with total snow accumulations expected to reach up to 20 inches for the highest elevations.

Riverton NWS said, “Travel may be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions may affect travel over mountain passes such as Teton and Togwotee Pass.”

Montana

A Winter Storm Warning covers I-90 Lookout Pass to Haugan until 11 on Sunday – heavy snowfall is forecast throughout the day and into the night.

The Missoula NWS warned of “dangerous or impossible travel conditions.”