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WEATHER NEWS Up to three-quarters of an inch of rain possible in Medford today Comment By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Sep. 24, 2014 at 9:34 AM By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Sep. 24, 2014 at 9:34 AM » Social News A seasonally early, chilly weather front moving into Southern Oregon means as much as three-quarters of an inch of rain could fall on parts of the Rogue Valley floor today, the National Weather Service reports. Weather officials have issued a special weather statement for much of the Southern Oregon-Northern California region through 4 p.m. today, with rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches across much of the area near the Cascades. Jackson, Josephine and Siskiyou counties are covered under the advisory. Between a half and three-quarters of an inch could fall in Medford, and more than an inch and a half could fall at Crater Lake. A whopping 3 inches is expected to fall in Brookings. "Rainfall amounts are likely to break daily precipitation records at some locations today and, possibly, on Thursday," the Weather Service statement reads. Already, the rain seems to be walloping the remaining embers on at least one area wildfire. On their Facebook page, the Weather Service said a half inch has already fallen on the Onion Mountain Fire, located west of Grants Pass. They said that rainfall is equivalent to more than 54 million gallons of water smothering the blaze's remains, or more than 20,000 bucket drops from a helicopter if each drop equaled 2,650 gallons. The beneficial downpour is a double-edged sword on the fire-scarred landscape. Rains could lead to flash flooding and mudslides, especially on areas already scarred black from wildfire where it is more difficult for soils to absorb the rain. The Oregon Department of Forestry reported about 1 1/2 inches of precipitation is expected to fall over the fire area by the end of today, meaning potential slides in areas that have been dug up to make firelines. "Resource advisers were pleased this morning that all lines had been 'tucked in' and ready for rain. Still, with the amount of rain predicted, there are concerns that slides may occur," an ODF release reads. Mt. Shasta, which already experienced a mudslide earlier this week because of a glacier shift that released trapped water, is also expected to see close to 1 1/2 inches of rain today. Motorists are advised to exercise extra caution on the roads, as they will become slick due to the rain mixing with oil buildup, causing cars to hydroplane easily. Drivers are advised to increase distance between their vehicles and others and to reduce speed. Nearby Klamath County will be at the opposite end of the spectrum today, with a red flag warning in effect until 11 p.m. tonight. Winds of up to 30 mph with 45 mph gusts and low humidity mean the landscape is primed for new wildfire activity. There is also a chance for lightning in Klamath County Friday. By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Sep. 24, 2014 at 9:34 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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