December 23, 2021 9:40 a.m.

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for central Douglas County and nearby areas, starting Friday at 4:00 a.m. and continuing through 12:00 p.m. Monday, above 1,500 feet.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service said periods of moderate to heavy snow are expected above 1,500 feet. New snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches are forecast for elevations between 1,500 and 2,500 feet. An additional 12 inches is possible at around 1,500-foot elevations, to as much as 48 inches at higher elevations between Saturday afternoon and Monday morning. Winds could gust between 20 and 40 miles per hour at exposed higher elevations.

The Warning area also includes eastern Curry County and Josephine County including portions of: Interstate 5 between Grants Pass and Tri-City, of Highway 199 in the Illinois Valley, of the Tiller Highway from near Tiller to Shady Cove and the Camas Mountain area on Highway 138.

Forecasters said the warning period will bring periods of significant snowfall from multiple waves of low pressure moving into the area. While there will be some breaks in the weather, residents should expect snowfall to begin to impact the Canyon Mountain and Sexton Summit passes on Friday. Lowering snow levels with time means that travel impacts will be spread to more roadways.

Travel is strongly discouraged due to dangerous conditions.

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