The National Weather Service issued an updated winter weather advisory at 1:27 p.m. Tuesday, effective from 2 p.m. Wednesday through 5 p.m. Friday for the North Oregon Cascades and the Cascades of Marion and Linn County.

“Total snow accumulations 6 to 12 inches above 4,000 feet and 8 to 16 inches above 5,000 feet,” the weather service says. “A cold front will result in rapid accumulation of snow above 4,000 to 5,000 feet Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday evening. A break in snow will most likely occur Wednesday night into Thursday morning before additional snow showers lead to higher snowfall rates in the Cascades late Thursday morning and early Friday.”

“Roads, particularly bridges and overpasses, are likely to become slippery and dangerous. Travel could be very difficult,” the weather service explains. “Have a winter emergency kit ready. Common items include: flashlight, batteries, blankets, a shovel, water, non-perishable food, tire chains, etc. Note that walking surfaces may be slippery. Take extra care when walking.” .”

Driving safety in winter weather: Get through the cold with expert tips from the weather service

The icy conditions in winter often make roads dangerous and result in over 6,000 weather-related traffic fatalities and more than 480,000 injuries each year. When you find yourself on snowy or freezing, rain-soaked roads, safety should be your top priority. Slow down and be careful. When temperatures are near freezing, it is advisable to assume there are icy spots on the road and adjust your driving style accordingly. Be careful of ice buildup on power lines and tree branches as they can break and fall. If possible, avoid driving in these conditions altogether. However, if you must venture out, choose routes with fewer trees and power lines and never touch a downed power line. If you encounter one, call 911 immediately. Here are more tips for driving in winter weather:

Share your travel plans:

If you are traveling out of town in dangerous winter weather, let your family or friends know your destination, planned route and expected arrival time.

Prepare your vehicle:

Make sure your gas tank is full and stock your vehicle with winter essentials, including a window scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, a flashlight, a cell phone, a blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water and high-calorie, non-perishable foods.

Stay calm when stranded:

If you get stuck, stay calm. Notify someone of your situation and location. Do not attempt to reach safety on foot. Attach a cloth to your car's antenna or mirror to signal that you need help. Make your vehicle more visible by using the dome light and turn signals.

Beware of snow plows:

Be on the lookout for snowplows and give them plenty of room to pass. Only overtake a plow when you have a clear view of the road.

Check road conditions:

Before you travel, find out about current road conditions so you can make informed travel decisions.

These winter driving tips from the Weather Service are your key to safer driving on snowy roads. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure your well-being in difficult winter weather.

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