Oregon Highway Travelers Face Snow, Ice, Closed Roads

The Oregon Department of Transportation says I-84 in the Columbia River Gorge could be closing soon, if weather conditions worsen.

Oregon to get blasted by winter

Tuesday, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) said Interstate 84 in the Gorge could be closed if weather conditions get dangerous. Much of the area is facing winter storms that could deposit up to a half inch of ice along the route, especially towards Portland.

ODOT says they have plans in place to close the highway before drivers become stranded. Also, Oregon Highway 99 near Cottage Grove is closed due to downed trees.

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Many of the roads in Eastern, Southeastern, and Central Oregon (state highways) are also experiencing a lot of snow and ice.

If you are traveling to the west side of Oregon, I-5 near Eugene has also been a trouble spot. according to ODOT:

"If you must travel Tuesday or Wednesday, carry tire chains, fuel, water and other supplies for a longer trip than usual – as well as possible closure of roads if conditions become unsafe. ODOT crews are still working to reopen highways impacted by ice and downed trees, as well as preparing for the next round of this storm."

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF

Source: Oregon Highway Travelers Face Snow, Ice, Closed Roads

Filed Under: snow, weather