The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory at 2:07 a.m. Monday effective from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday for the Blue Mountains of northern Oregon.

“Snow expected above 4,500 feet. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 9 inches. Winds gusting up to 45 mph,” the weather service says. “Snowfall rates will decrease briefly Monday evening, but are expected to increase further through Tuesday morning.”

“Travel could be difficult due to periods of moderate to heavy snow. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches,” describes the weather service. “Slow down and be careful when traveling.”

Staying Safe on Winter Roads: Winter Driving Tips from the Weather Service

Winter conditions can make driving dangerous, leading to more than 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and more than 480,000 injuries each year. When traveling in snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. At temperatures near freezing, it is safer to assume that the roads are icy and adjust your driving accordingly. Be careful of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can cause breakage and fall hazards. If possible, avoid driving in such conditions. If you must venture out, opt for routes with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line and call 911 immediately if you encounter one. Here are some other winter driving tips:

Share your travel plans:

When traveling out of town in dangerous winter weather, let family or friends know your destination, planned route, and estimated time of arrival.

Prepare your vehicle:

Make sure your gas tank is full and equip your vehicle with essential winter supplies including a windshield scraper, jumper cables, small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, very warm clothing, drinking water and non-perishable, high-calorie foods.

Stay calm when you are stuck:

If you get stuck, stay calm. Tell someone about your situation and location. Avoid trying to walk to safety. Indicate that you need help by attaching a cloth to your car’s antenna or rearview mirror, and make your vehicle more visible by using the dome light and turn signals.

Pay attention to snow plows:

Keep an eye out for snow plows and give them plenty of room to pass. Only pass a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.

Check road conditions:

Before you embark on your trip, check the latest road conditions to make informed travel decisions.

These winter driving tips from the weather service are the key to traveling safely on snowy roads. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure your well-being during harsh winter conditions.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.