On Wednesday at 2:23 p.m., a winter storm warning was issued by the National Weather Service, in effect until 5:00 p.m. Friday for Marion and Linn Cascade Counties.

The weather service comments: “Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches above 4,000 feet and 12 to 24 inches above 4,500 feet.”

“Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, are likely to become slippery and dangerous. Travel may be very difficult or impossible,” the weather service explains. “If you must travel, be sure to slow down and allow extra time. If your car gets stuck in deep snow, be sure to keep your car parked to protect yourself from possible monoxide poisoning of carbon. Backcountry recreation is not recommended.”

Drive safely in winter: expert advice from the weather service in difficult conditions

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 venturing out of town in dangerous winter weather, be sure to 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. Attach a cloth to your car’s antenna or rearview mirror to signal that you need help. Make your vehicle more visible by using the dome light and turn signals.

Pay attention to snow plows:

Keep an eye out for snowplows 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 current 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.