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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News AP Entertainment Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Holiday Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend December 23, 2006 Travelers on Interstate 5 near Talent were rolling along Friday with no weather worries and more of the same is expected over the Christmas weekend, as conditions are expected to be mild for the heavy holiday travel period. (Mail Tribune / Roy Musitelli) They'll be somewhere for Christmas 'Uneventful' weekend weather promised to those headed to grandmother's house (or elsewhere) for holiday By BILL MILLER for the Mail Tribune Whether it's over the river, through the woods or high above it all, holiday travelers will likely get a break from the weather that has tied the nation's airports in knots this week. The biggest problem for Rogue Valley air travelers has not been in the Rogue Valley, but rather a blizzard that shut down Denver's airport for two days this week and is still causing canceled flights and delays across the country. "We even have someone stranded in Hawaii because of the Denver shutdown," said Micki Summerhays, of Carrousel Travel in White City. "It's hard for people to understand why their flight would be canceled if they are flying out of Portland and the trouble is in Denver. "It's because a flight coming into Denver gets canceled and since it was continuing on to Portland or somewhere else, those continuing flights get canceled, too." Advertisement Summerhays said delays at foreign airports also can cause some problems within the United States. "London is horrible," she said. "I think Thursday they cancelled half of their flights. They've been fogged in for almost a week and a lot of our international air traffic goes through London." By Sunday, Christmas Eve, the weather should cooperate, both nationally and locally. "Nationally, it's going to be remarkably uneventful," said Dan Weygand, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Medford. "Even the Denver area is getting the high pressure that was over us last week, and that will give them a nice break. Weygand said the East Coast is expecting rain and will probably not see snow until early next week. For Rogue Valley travelers, the outlook is good. "Locally, there are usually only two things to worry about this time of year," said Weygand. "A big snow storm and fog." He says that this weekend should be somewhere in between. "We seem to be getting the best of both worlds," he said. "We have a couple of light to moderate rain systems coming through that will keep the lower atmosphere mixed up and prevent much of the fog, although there may be a little fog on Sunday morning." The mountain passes are likely to be clear of snow, but still may be slippery. "The snow level should be 5,000 to 5,500 feet," said Weygand. "That's close enough to pass level so you still might see a brief snowfall, but predominately it's going to be rain." Travelers heading for the coast can expect to find rain and wind, but probably not to the extent that some had predicted. "The storm has been downgraded," said Lt. Brian Powers of the Oregon State Police, "but we're still expecting rain and snow showers in the mountains." Powers says that drivers have to assume that they will be traveling in winter conditions and should take proper precautions. With the recent Kim family tragedy fresh in everyone's minds, Powers offered some advice. "Number One," he said, "notify someone of your route and when you expect to arrive. If you change that route, make sure that you notify somebody so that if something goes wrong, people will know where to look. "If you are unsure of conditions on the route, check with the State Police, a local police agency, log on to ODOT's TripCheck.com or call their travel line at 511." In addition to carrying traction devices, Powers said, he also suggests that all drivers be prepared with an emergency kit with blankets, water, food, flashlights, flares and matches. "Be patient. There will be a lot of people on the highway," said Powers, "If you allow plenty of time for weather conditions and traffic you'll have a lot safer holiday." Bill Miller is a freelance writer living in Shady Cove. Reach him at [email protected]. Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com