Central Oregon’s blizzard warning is first in 5 years

The National Weather Service on Sunday night issued what it calls a “rare” blizzard warning for the Oregon Cascades, plus the east slopes of the Cascades and La Pine and Sunriver. The warning lasts from 4:00 a.m. Tuesday to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday.

“This isn’t a normal thing. Really, We have to have those high winds coupled with really heavy snowfall. So for those two ingredients to to happen at the same time, it doesn’t necessarily occur very frequently here across the area,” said National Weather Service Meteorologist Matt Callihan.

So how rare is “rare?” Callihan said a blizzard warning hasn’t been issued for this part of Oregon in five years.

Blizzard warning for Oregon Cascades including east slopes, La Pine, Sunriver

There will be heavy snowfall, but it will be coupled with 50-to-60 mph winds.

“That could really hurt visibility and travel concerns moving across the Cascades, moving over the passes, especially,” Callihan said.

He said that travel should be limited. But for those who have to drive, expect to spend a lot more time in their vehicle. Bring plenty of food, water, clothes and emergency supplies.