December 10, 2022 6:30 a.m.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect through 4:00 p.m. Saturday for mountain areas in parts of southern Oregon.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service said heavy snow is expected. Total snow accumulations will be between 10 to 18 inches with up to 2 feet near the Mount Ashland ski area and Crater Lake. Winds will gust as high as 55 miles per hour over exposed terrain.

The Warning area includes the south central and southern Oregon Cascades including Diamond Lake and the Siskiyou Summit.

Forecasters said travel could be very difficult to impossible. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility, with occasional whiteout conditions. The combination of strong winds and snow loading on trees could cause tree branches or trees to fall.

Snowfall rates could be between 1 to 2 inches per hour at times.

Forecasters said travel is strongly discouraged because of dangerous conditions.

For current road conditions, go to www.tripcheck.com.

Stay with News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN and check www.541radio.com for updates on the weather situation.