NWS Posts Winter Storm Warning and Winter Weather Advisory for SW Oregon Region

Round Two of a surprisingly strong series of winter storms is hitting Southern Oregon and Northern California. The National Weather Service has posted a Winter Storm Warning for the region that is in effect until 7 a.m. Thursday and a Winter Weather Advisory for the area that is in effect until 10 a.m. tomorrow. For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow is expected with accumulations of 5 to 12 inches above 1,500 feet and up to 18 inches over the highest elevations. This includes Highways 199, 238 and Interstate 5. For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow is expected in local valleys with accumulations between 1 and 4 inches. All schools in Southern Oregon from Glendale to the California border are closed for a second straight day due to the winter storm. All state offices in Josephine and Jackson counties -- including courts -- are also closed today. Travel could be very difficult to impossible at the times. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning and evening commutes. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For updated road information in Oregon, visit "tripcheck.com." For updated road information in California, visit "quickmap.dot.ca.gov." ...Read more

Rural Metro Fire Crews Met with Big Spike in Activity during Monday Snow Incident

Rural Metro firefighters were met with a spike in activity during the peak snow event on Monday. Between noon and 8 p.m., that activity included three vehicle crashes that had reported injuries -- not counting numerous spin-outs or stranded motorists. There were also three hazard removals such as trees blocking roads, six power lines knocked down and arcing or creating hazards, two medical emergencies including extracting a patient with a four-wheel-drive due to an inaccessible driveway, and one motorhome fire that did not spread to the structure. Rural Metro officials said snowy conditions are possible for a few more days. Most main roads are clearing up and are now passable, but many driveways remain unplowed. First responders ask everyone to limit movement if not necessary or otherwise take precautions to prevent an accident or fire. Officials said many regional fire agencies have boosted staffing since the storm moved in and remain poised for potential activity over the next few days. The forecast calls for frigid nights ahead, which may result in icy conditions the rest of the week, with more snow expected in the days to come. ...Read more

35th Annual Ross Roe Memorial Youth Tree Plant Slated for Thursday-Saturday

Weather permitting, more than 1,000 children are scheduled to take part in the 35th Annual Ross Roe Memorial Youth Tree Plant over the next three days. Organized by the Josephine County Forestry Department, the plant is a three-day event just inside the southwest city limits of Grants Pass. This is the only continuous youth tree plant in the state of Oregon. About 4,000 trees will be planted during this year's event, mostly pine trees along with some Douglas firs. Children from local schools, scout groups, 4-H clubs and other groups from Josephine and Jackson counties participate in this event every year. More than 100,000 trees have been planted by 23,000 area children since 1990. The annual tree plant was renamed to honor Ross Roe after his death in 2019 at the age of 91. Roe was a Grants Pass businessman who was instrumental in the creation of the event 35 years ago. ...Read more