January 6, 2022 3:45 a.m. 

The impacts of severe winter weather are expected to continue in parts of Oregon, delivering heavy snowfall, ice and high winds to parts of the state, and heavy rain and melting snow to other locations.

A release from the Oregon Office of Emergency Management is imploring Oregonians to avoid traveling on treacherous roads and instead stay home to stay safe and help ease the strain on the statewide response system.

OEM Director Andrew Phelps said, “We have severe weather advisories, watches and warnings all over the state, including threats of flooding caused by heavy rain and snowmelt. This can trigger debris flows and landslides in steep terrain, and the risk is higher in wildfire burn scars”. Phelps said residents need to take winter weather hazards seriously and make good decisions to reduce the risk of being stuck on snow-covered roads or trapped by floodwaters.

A release said OEM is monitoring and coordinating statewide hazards, impacts and needs and informing Oregonians of tools and resources to stay safe. Oregon Department of Transportation crews are working to keep roads clear and drivers are asked to observe highway closures, give crews space to work and never drive around barricades or pass snowplows on the right.