Winter Storm Watch Issued for Tuesday [UPDATED]
/Significant snowfall potential for very busy travel period Tuesday into Tuesday Night
The 2019-20 Winter Weather Alerts are brought to you by Ace Towing.
Low pressure is expected to strengthen as it approaches the California coast Tuesday. There are still a range of possibilities as to how much the low will strengthen and the exact track, but the general consensus is for the bulk of the snow to fall late Tuesday morning through Tuesday night, then gradually decrease late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
The largest travel impacts are expected in northern California, but impacts could extend into portions of southern Oregon as well, especially for mountain passes and other elevations above 2500 ft.
Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Tuesday morning through Wednesday morning. Heavy snow accumulations of 6-10 inches possible with winds as high as 45 miles per hour.
Location
Klamath Basin and Northern and Eastern Klamath County and Western Lake County, including Klamath Falls, Sprague River, Bly, Chiloquin, Chemult, and significant portions of Highways 97 and 140.
When
Tuesday morning through Wednesday morning. The heaviest snow is possible from Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night.
Additional Details
Travel could be very difficult. Plan on snow covered and slippery road conditions, low visibilities, and heavy snow.
Precautionary & Preparedness Actions
Stock emergency kit with tire chains, flashlight, batteries, blankets, food, water, and medications. The safest place during a winter storm is indoors. Plan now to avoid traveling during the storm. A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant snow accumulations that may create dangerous travel.
Message from National Weather Service, Medford Oregon.
If you have travel plans this Tuesday, you should consider altering your plans. A strong low pressure system will move into the area, bringing high winds and periods of moderate to heavy snowfall down to at least 2500 ft. All area passes will likely be affected by snow, especially from Siskiyou Summit south. Expect significant travel difficulties late Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening, especially given the increased traffic from holiday travel. Bottom line is, be where you need to be by 8-10 am Tuesday morning or wait until Wednesday afternoon.
There will be snow showers throughout the day Wednesday, but the impacts should be more isolated since precipitation will be less continuous. Wednesday night onward, it will be cold and this will raise the concern for refreezing road surfaces. So be sure to watch out for black ice Wednesday night into Saturday.
There will be a break in the weather Thursday and through much of Saturday. Another system may move into the area late Saturday into Sunday, and snow levels should be higher with this system (2500-4000 ft). However, we’ll iron out the details of this storm once we’re past the strong storm on Tuesday.
If you must travel Tuesday through Wednesday morning, be sure to carry an emergency travel kit with you. This travel kit should include: blankets, food, water, fully charged cell phone, chains, and any necessary medications. Be sure to check the latest road conditions before venturing out and stay up to date with the most recent forecasts. Links for this information are listed below:
You can call 511 for Oregon road conditions or for California road conditions call 800-427-ROAD (7623) or visit their websites listed below.
Oregon: www.tripcheck.com
California: quickmap.dot.ca.gov
Northern California Travel
In Several areas of Northern California a Winter Storm Warning has been issued, replacing the previously issued Winter Storm Watch.
According to NWS Sacramento, “several FEET of snow are expected, and mountain travel is highly discouraged!”
The 2019-20 Winter Weather Alerts are brought to you by Ace Towing.
Ace Towing reminds you to slow down on slick and icy roadways. However, if you need assistance on the road, they are there to help - 541-884-9388. Jump starts, lockouts, run out of fuel, collision towing, and more Ace Towing is ready to help.
The great folks at Ace Towing also remind you to please #SlowDownMoveOver for any emergency vehicle on the side of the road including tow trucks.