Oregon Gets Ready for Another Blast of Cold Weather

The coldest morning lows will be on Sunday and Monday, and these temperatures could be low enough to harm tender vegetation.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - I think someone forgot to tell Old Man Winter that it's springtime in Oregon.

Unseasonably cold weather with low snow levels and near record low temperatures are in store for northwest Oregon this weekend.

According to the National Weather Service the cold spring weather system will bring significant snow to the mountains and foothills, with snow accumulating at elevations as low as 1,000 feet, and near record overnight lows to the valley floor, with the possibility that wet snow showers could make it to the valley floor over the the weekend.

The coldest morning lows will be on Sunday and Monday, and these temperatures could be low enough to harm tender vegetation. The NWS says you should protect any vulnerable spring plants, and prepare for mid-winter driving conditions if your travels take you through the mountains or foothills this weekend.

The NWS has issued a Snow Advisory from midnight tonight to 4:00 PM Saturday for the north Oregon Cascades and the Cascades in Lane County. 4 tO 8 inches of new snow is expected, and additional snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches is possible through Saturday.

The NWS in Medford has issued a Freeze Warning in effect from 3:00 AM to 8:00 PM Saturday. A Freeze Warning means sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or very likely. These conditions WILL kill crops and other sensitive vegetation.

The American Red Cross says to make sure to dress appropriately before going outdoors. The air temperature does not have to be below freezing for someone to experience cold emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite. Wind speed can create dangerously cold conditions even when the temperature is not that low.

• If possible, avoid being outside in the coldest part of the day, or for extended periods of time in extreme cold weather.

• Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing conditions. Avoid overdressing or overexertion that can lead to heat illness.

• Most of your body heat is lost through your head so wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.

• Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves. Wear waterproof, insulated boots to help avoid hypothermia or frostbite by keeping your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.

• Get out of wet clothes immediately and warm the core body temperature with a blanket or warm fluids like hot cider or soup.

• Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol if you expect you or someone you are trying to help has hypothermia or frostbite.

• Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.

• Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.

Salem-News.com will have all the latest weather information for you this weekend as it comes into our newsroom.