Submitted by aratoutwest t3_zudvlc in Washington
Friends flight got canceled. Trying to figure out if it’s worth trying to drive from LA to Seattle. Seems like roads around Seattle aren’t too bad but wondering if anyone further north could give insight into what conditions are on I5 closer toward Portland. Imagining the snow was worse but not sure if it cleared yet.
Icy right now in Portland, but temperature is supposed to get into the low 40s today and only go down to a low in the high 30s tonight, with rain from this afternoon through tomorrow. Road conditions will probably be gradually improving throughout the day and rest of the weekend.
I just did this last week. It was bad conditions when I got home Wednesday, but it’s doable! It takes 21 hours from LA to Seattle and that’s if you stop just for gas and bio breaks. I say do it now because it’s warming up, but you better go quick before the atmospheric river system comes in. Leaving Tuesday arriving Wednesday would be best.
Click on the map in the panel at the bottom for a map of Oregon with cameras.
I drove Olympia to Portland yesterday in an awd outback, it was hectic at times but doable. Ice is melting aggressively in Portland right now, but your main problem would be the Siskiyou Pass.
I know Eugene got ice and the Portland area to west coast WA as well.
I5 only becomes a problem when you're going thru the passes between Cali and Oregon. If it snows there or has, then approved traction devices are required. I once got stuck for 14 hours on account the state patrol was inspecting for chains and I didn't have any. None of the stores did either... screwed up mess.
right now they have this advisory on RogueWeather.com
FREEZING RAIN IS CREATING HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS FROM EUGENE NORTH TO WESTERN WASHINGTON. DO NOT ATTEMPT TRAVEL!! NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS AND CLOSURES OF I 5 AND OTHER HIGHWAYS. TRAVEL IS NOT GOING TO BE RECOMMENDED UNTIL SATURDAY AFTERNOON.
Winter driving season has begun. Studded tires legal for use in both Oregon and California. Snow Zones with chain laws in effect from Redding, California to Cottage Grove, Oregon. By law, you must carry chains with you at all times, or have studded tires on.ws in effect from Redding, California to Cottage Grove, Oregon. By law, you must carry chains with you at all times, or have studded tires on.
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North I5 is pretty clear ice wise, just really wet now
Check the Tehachipis, and the Siskiyous
City of Seattle itself is fine, albeit flooded a bit. Be careful of hydroplaning.
Hello fellow Angeleno. Imma tell you right now: don't.
This time last year I was transitioning to moving from Portland to LA. My boyfriend and I spent Christmas day with my family and planned to drive back down to LA the day after.
Well, a snow storm started coming through that day. The roads on the pass on I-5 were closed, and they can be dangerous even when they're not closed. We ended up having to take the 101 (coastal roads) all the way down to SF before we could even get back onto I-5. And the coast still had snow, just not a dangerous amount.
All-in-all it took us 25 hours to make the entire drive when it should usually be 16 hours, breaks included.
I can not stress enough how much better off you are spending your Christmas in 80 degree weather.
I'm north off I5. Our streets are still solid ice in our neighborhood. I'm sure they've de-iced the main roads but it's been solid ice. I wouldn't drive right now.
plumber_mario t1_j1imr1i wrote
Tripcheck.com is a great website that shows all Oregon freeway road cams. I-5 is alright through to Portland and it’s supposed to start raining any minute