STORM WATCH: Stay Off The Roads If You Can Thursday Night

In addition to all the wind, rain and flooding, the National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for the Oregon Cascades for late Thursday night

Salem-News.com

(SPRINGFIELD) - Oregon Department of Transportation officials are suggesting that motorists not travel Thursday night with the incoming winter storm that is expected to produce hurricane force winds, potentially flooding rains, high surf at the coast and blizzard conditions in the mountains.

ODOT could close highways and mountain passes to protect the safety of the traveling public and to keep people from becoming stranded if the storm conditions become severe enough. The worst of the storm is expected from 10:00 PM tonight to 8:00 AM Friday. ODOT is urging motorists not to travel during that time period, or until the storm blows over.

If motorists must travel, they should be aware of the following: -Over-sized vehicles such as motor homes, pickups with campers, delivery box vans and chip trucks should not be driven in high wind conditions. In past years, high winds have tipped over chip trucks, torn campers off of pickups and forced delivery box vans outside of travel lanes. -Secure or remove all loose items in the back of pickups. Items such as boxes, or ladders that usually stay in the pickup bed, can be blown out onto the road or into the windshield of another vehicle. -High winds will cause trees to fall on to the highways, and at times, onto vehicles. If you must drive, use extreme caution and be prepared to stop at a moment’s notice. -Standing, high water on the highway can cause vehicles to lose traction and slide out of control. Use extreme caution while driving during periods of heavy rainfall, and don’t drive through fast-moving, deep water.

If motorists must travel across mountain passes, they should be aware the National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for the Oregon Cascades for late Thursday night.

State law requires motorists to have chains or traction tires in or on their vehicle when traveling over Oregon mountain passes. In very bad winter road conditions, all vehicles may be required to use chains regardless of the type of vehicle or type of tire being used. This is known as a conditional road closure. A conditional road closure may occur on any highway in Oregon.

In addition to carrying chains or traction tires, drivers need to prepare for low visibility due to heavy snowfall and extreme wind. Vehicles need to be winter-ready with an emergency kit that includes food and water and have a full tank of fuel before heading over mountain passes.

If you must drive in low-visibility conditions, here are some tips to remember: -Slow down. Do not drive faster than your vision permits. -Increase following distance to ensure enough reaction time and stopping distance. -Turn on all your lights, including hazard lights, to give other vehicles the opportunity to better notice your vehicle. Use low-beam headlights and fog lights. Do not use high beams. -Be ready for emergency stops by other vehicles. -Use the right edge of the road or roadside reflectors as a guide. -Do not change lanes or pass other vehicles, unless absolutely necessary. -Signal early and brake gently. -Watch for slow-moving or parked vehicles or snow plows. -If you cannot see, pull completely off the road, preferably at a rest area, truck stop or parking lot.

Before heading out on the road, motorists should get the latest road conditions by checking www.tripcheck.com or call 511.