Rising temperatures and windy conditions across Eastern Oregon are compounding the region’s traveling challenges.

Oregon Department of Transportation maintenance crews are reporting snow drifts piling up in some areas and ask that motorist drive with extreme caution, or stay home if travel is not necessary.

“Strong winds are creating snow drifts across numerous highway sections in Baker, Grant and Harney counties,” said ODOT Canyon City Maintenance Manager Shane Giffin. The wind and warmer temperatures also have a tendency to bring down trees and snow laden branches near or across the highway, he added.

“Maintenance crews are all out working to keep the roadways as safe as possible, but we can’t be everywhere at once,” Giffin said. Travelers need to drive with extra caution, watching for snow drifts and potential hazard trees. “If you don’t have to drive, please stay home.”

The National Weather Serivce issued a hazardous weather advisory, predicting continued snow in the Blue Mountains, with wind gusts up to 40 to 60 mph expected Thursday night. Milder weather is forecast for Friday, with warmer daytime temperatures and light winds.

ODOT officials noted that the warming trend is turning snow packed highways into a slushy, slippery mess. As the snow pack starts to break up, it can be a lot harder to maintain control of your vehicle as it melts. A return to freezing temperature worsens the hazards.

If you do have to travel, plan ahead by calling 511 or (800) 977-6368 for up-to-date road conditions throughout Oregon. On the Internet, check for road and weather conditions, and possible highway delays by logging onto www.TripCheck.com .

“Please give maintenance crews extra room on the road,” Giffin said. “If you come upon a snowplow, grader, sander or other winter maintenance equipment, stay far behind them. They will eventually pull over to let you pass.” Keep in mind that the road surface in front of the plow is going to be in worse conditions.