January 3, 2024 4:00 a.m.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 4:00 p.m. Friday through 10:00 a.m. Saturday for mountain areas in parts of southern Oregon.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service said snow above 3,500 feet is expected. Total snow accumulations between 7 and 12 inches. The highest mountain elevations could have up to 16 inches of snow. Winds will gust as high as 45 miles per hour.

The Advisory area includes the south central and southern Oregon Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains. It applies to Crater Lake, Diamond Lake, Highway 51 at Willamette Pass, and portions of highways 62, 138, and 140.

Forecasters said travel could become very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could have an impact on the Friday evening commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. Light to moderate snow is forecast to fall most of Friday. Snow will become moderate to heavy at times between 10:00 p.m. Friday and 4:00 a.m. Saturday.

Motorists should slow down and use caution while traveling. Call 511 or visit www.tripcheck.com for updated road information.