The National Weather Service issued an updated winter storm watch at 11:51 p.m. Thursday, in effect from 4:00 a.m. Sunday through 4:00 p.m. Monday for the North Oregon Cascades, Cascades of Marion and Linn Counties, and Cascades of Lane County.

The weather service comments: “Heavy snow possible above 2500 feet. Total snow accumulations of up to 15 inches are possible. Winds could gust up to 35 mph.”

“Travel could be very difficult,” the weather service added. “Winter the vehicle and have an emergency winter driving kit if you plan to drive over the Cascade Passes. Make sure your emergency kit has the following items: flashlights, batteries, blankets, a shovel, water, non-perishable food, tire chains, etc. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this situation.”

Winter driving guide: Tips from the weather service for safe and sound travel

Winter weather can make driving treacherous, leading to more than 6,000 weather-related deaths and more than 480,000 injuries each year. When traveling in snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. In near-freezing temperatures, it’s safest to assume icy conditions exist on the roads and adjust your driving accordingly. Watch out for ice build-up on power lines or tree limbs, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards. If possible, avoid driving in such conditions. If you must venture, opt for trails with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line and call 911 immediately if you encounter one. Here are some additional wintertime tips:

Share your travel plans:

When venturing out of town in dangerous winter weather, be sure to inform family or friends of your destination, intended route, and estimated time of arrival.

Prepare your vehicle:

Make sure your gas tank is full and stock your vehicle with essential winter supplies, including a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and non-perishable food high in calories.

Stay calm when stuck:

If you get stuck, stay calm. Inform someone of your situation and location. Avoid trying to walk to safety. Indicate that you need assistance by attaching a cloth to the car’s antenna or mirror, and make the vehicle more visible by using lights and flashing lights.

Be aware of snow plows:

Watch out for snow plows and give them plenty of room to pass. Only pass a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.

Check road conditions:

Before you start your journey, check the latest road conditions to make informed travel decisions.

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

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