All southbound lanes of Interstate 5 south of Ashland are closed to motor vehicles early Wednesday due to a strong blizzard dumping snow and creating whiteout conditions in the higher elevations.
Vehicles are being held near Ashland at milepost 11 until officials determine the freeway is safe for travel. The Oregon Department of Transportation expects this to be a long-term closure, according to the notice on TripCheck.com.
Weather forecasters have reported the atmospheric river that impacted the Portland metro area has moved southward into southern Oregon and northern California and will pack high winds and plenty of snow at the higher elevations.
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The Medford office of the National Weather Service said the core of moderate-to-heavy precipitation will persist throughout the day Wednesday in southwest Oregon and northern California as the front will get hung up along the Oregon/California border this afternoon through at least Thursday morning. Wind gusts in the area have been clocked at 67 mph.
Travelers are advised to choose an alternate route. Coastal routes will feature rain, and very strong winds throughout the day.
Traffic cameras on U.S. 97 through Klamath Falls show snow on the roadways early Wednesday but the highway remains open. Visit TripCheck.com or Caltrans.gov for detailed information on road conditions and closures.
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