Winter Storm Warning Issued for Jackson County; Heavy Snow Expected Above 2,000 Feet

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Medford, OR, has issued a Winter Storm Warning for areas above 2,000 feet and a Winter Weather Advisory for areas below 2,000 feet. The alert is effective from 10:00 PM PST Monday, February 16, through 10:00 AM PST Thursday, February 19.

Affected Areas

The warning and advisory cover Jackson County. Specific locations mentioned include:

• Below 2,000 feet (Advisory): Medford, Ashland, Gold Hill, Jacksonville, Applegate, Shady Cove, and Eagle Point.
• Above 2,000 feet (Warning): Prospect, Butte Falls, and Jacksonville Hill on State Highway 238.
• Impacted Roadways: Portions of Interstate 5 and Highways 140, 238, 62, 234, and 227.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers are advised to slow down and exercise extreme caution. If travel is necessary, keep an emergency kit in your vehicle containing a flashlight, food, and water. For the latest road conditions, call 511 or visit tripcheck.com.

Expected Conditions

A cold air mass following a sharp front will bring multiple rounds of precipitation and low snow levels.

• Snow Accumulations: 6 to 12 inches are expected above 2,000 feet. Areas below 2,000 feet can expect 3 to 6 inches.
• Snow Levels: Levels will drop from 3,000 feet on Monday to between 1,000 and 1,500 feet late Monday night into early Tuesday. During daylight hours, snow levels may rise to 2,000–2,500 feet before lowering again overnight.
• Impacts: Travel may become very difficult to impossible. Hazardous conditions are expected to specifically impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes.

Timeline

• Onset: 10:00 PM PST Monday, February 16.
• Peak Intensity: The heaviest snow is expected late Monday night into Tuesday morning.
• Duration: Showery precipitation with spotty and quick accumulations will continue through the week.
• Expiration: 10:00 AM PST Thursday, February 19.