November 12, 2020 4:20 a.m.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from early Friday through early Saturday for mountain areas in parts of southern Oregon.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service said a potent storm is expected to move into the area on Friday. The system is poised to bring heavy snow and strong winds to elevations above 5,000 feet for areas from the Cascades east. Heavy snow combined with strong, gusty winds could cause significant tree damage and bring whiteout conditions at times.

Forecasters said total snow accumulations of 10 to 20 inches are forecast, with wind gusts of 50 to 70 miles per hour possible at higher elevations.

The Warning area includes Crater Lake, Diamond Lake and the south-central Oregon Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains.

Travel could be very difficult to impossible with visibility below one quarter of a mile at times. Travel is strongly discouraged in impacted areas due to dangerous conditions.

Stay with News Radio 1240 KQEN and check www.541radio.com for updates on the stormy conditions.