Possible Flooding Due to Moderate to Heavy Rain andChance Snow Through Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Siskiyou County Office of Emergency Services warns that there is the possibility of flooding due to moderate to heavy rain through Tuesday as well as a chance of snow.

Siskiyou County Office of Emergency warns that heavy rain is forecasted to impact the area tonight. There is a high potential for flash flooding with associated debris flow in and around recently burned areas such as the McKinney Fire. These hazards can occur with little to no warning. For your safety, avoid areas within or near fire-scarred terrain. Drainages' within or below areas impacted by recent wildfires have a high potential for significant debris flow activity and should be avoided.

According to the National Weather Service, moderate to heavy rain with higher mountain snow is expected through Tuesday as an atmospheric river moves into the area. Snow levels will rise to around 5000-6000 feet Monday, then lower to 4000 feet Tuesday night. Pounding of water on roads and rapid rises on small streams and creeks are expected west of the Cascades. Localized small-stream flooding is possible, especially along the coast and in western Siskiyou County where precipitation rates will be highest.

Furthermore, the National Weather Service states that a wet 24 to 48 hours will bring snowfall to the region as warm moist air moves in along a stationary front before it becomes a cold front. This will result in some notable heavy snowfall over 5000 feet like Mt. Ashland and Crater Lake. Even some of the lower I-5 passes could see snow if the colder air is able to push in late Monday night into Tuesday. Eventually, the cold front will move through around Tuesday resulting in cooler weather and falling snow levels. The impacts are still anticipated to remain above 5000 feet for this event. Remember, give yourself extra time when traveling. Always carry chains when planning to drive in winter conditions.

The Siskiyou County Office of Emergency Services recommends that due to the moderate to possible heavy rain for many areas of Northern California and Southern Oregon, mainly along the coast and in Siskiyou County, to drive safely, and if you encounter flood waters, turn around, don’t drown! 

Be sure to check road conditions before venturing out. You can call 511 for Oregon road conditions and for California road conditions call 800-427-ROAD (7623) or visit their websites listed below.

• Oregon road conditions
• California road conditions
• NWS hazard viewer

Please visit the National Weather Service - Medford website for more detailed information as things progress. 

Sign up for text message weather alerts through the National Weather Service by texting STORM to 67283.

Visit the Office of Emergency Services Facebook for up-to-date information about the weather and how to be prepared.