Snow may reach valley floor tonight - News - MailTribune.com - Medford, OR

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Snow may reach valley floor tonight Fresh snow covers a vineyard at RoxyAnn Winery in Medford in this file photo from December 2015. Mail Tribune / Jamie Lusch Monday Dec 5, 2016 at 10:31 AM Dec 5, 2016 at 6:19 PM Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune @RyanPfeil A winter storm is expected to have a long reach, with snowfall possibly reaching the valley floor. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the region from 10 p.m. Monday to 10 a.m. Tuesday. Snow could fall as low as 1,500 feet during that time, according to a Weather Service advisory posted Monday morning. Snow accumulations of 3 to 9 inches are forecast for areas above 2,000 feet, with up to 3 inches possible between 1,500 and 2,000 feet. Up to a foot could dump on higher peaks. Medford is expected to see "isolated minor accumulations." "Snow levels will lower to the valley floors late (Monday night), with snow falling at lower locations," the advisory reads. "Snow intensity is likely to peak and snow levels will be the lowest around mid-morning Tuesday." The storm could throw a wrench into travel plans. The Siskiyou summit could receive up to 6 inches of snow, while Sexton summit could see up to 2 inches. Hayes Hill near Cave Junction could receive as much as 3 inches. The Dead Indian Memorial Road summit could see as much as a foot, and Highway 138 near Diamond Lake could see up to 18 inches. "This will affect all Cascades passes, including Siskiyou Summit," the advisory said. "And eventually the lower passes along Interstate 5 north of Grants Pass will be affected." Weather officials urged drivers to slow down and be sure to carry chains, food, water, blankets, necessary medications and flashlights during travel. Motorists should also depart with a full tank of gas and fully charged cellphone. — Reach reporter Ryan Pfeil at 541-776-4468 or [email protected]. Follow him at www.twitter.com/ryanpfeil.