Authorities urge caution when traveling this Thanksgiving

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KLAMATH FALLS, Ore - The National Weather Service has issued warnings and advisories this coming week for many areas of Southern Oregon and Northern California. With this being one of the heaviest weeks for travel during the year, pay close attention to weather forecasts and road conditions for mountain passes.

Currently much of Southern Oregon and Northern California are under a Winter Storm Warning - highest elevations can see up to 20” of snow.

“Road conditions may be difficult throughout the holiday weekend and we urge people to exercise caution while traveling during the holiday,” says Brandon Fowler, Klamath County Emergency Manager and Public Information Officer for the Klamath County Sheriff’s Department.

“There will likely be chain restrictions on many of the mountain passes and temperatures are forecasted to be in single digits or near zero later in the week,” continues Fowler. “Please make certain you and your vehicle are prepared for the cold weather. Keep drinking water, extra blankets, and additional non-perishable food in your vehicle when traveling in case you are delayed.”

“Snow and high winds can knock down trees and powerlines causing power outages,” said David Lucas, Pacific Power vice president, operations. “We are staging additional crews and equipment in preparation for the storm projected to impact Southern Oregon and Northern California mid-day Tuesday through Wednesday afternoon. With the storm having the potential to affect holiday celebrations, we are pulling out all the stops to mobilize or crews as needed.”

Every home and business should have an Emergency Outage Kit that includes the following:

  • Flashlight

  • Battery-operated radio and clock

  • Extra batteries

  • Non-perishable foods

  • Manual can opener

  • Bottled water

  • Blankets

If a power outage occurs, Pacific Power encourages customers to first check their fuses and circuit breakers. If the power failure is not caused inside the home or business, customers should report the outage to Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088.

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, hazardous pre-holiday travel conditions will plague drivers throughout southwest Oregon beginning Tuesday with the arrival of severe winter storm described by forecasters as “historic”. Drivers should expect damaging winds, especially on the south coast and blizzard conditions with low snow levels in the mountain passes.

“If people can leave today, now [Monday] is the time,” said ODOT District Manager Jerry Marmon. “Travel Tuesday into Wednesday is forecast to be the worst, with conditions improving for Thanksgiving Day.”

“Be aware of your surroundings while traveling and take note of milepost numbers as it can assist emergency services personnel in locating you if you have an emergency,” said Fowler.

The message is simple - if you must travel, please take your time and be careful. If you do not have to travel, don’t. Stay home.