PENDLETON – Freezing levels are dropping rapidly in the Blue Mountains, with rain changing to snow in the mountains and John Day Valley today.

The National Weather Service is predicting snow accumulations of 7 to 9 inches above 3,500 feet this afternoon and evening, with the snow falling through the night.

The Oregon Department of Transportation urges drivers to:

• Adjust your driving for the conditions if there is ice, snow or fog present.

• Be ready to handle potentially dangerous situations by thinking ahead.

• Look for signs indicating when chains or traction tires are required, and chain up early when you are required to do so.

• If you lose traction, slow down gradually – don’t slam on your brakes.

• Use extra caution when driving on bridges or concrete highways; ice forms first on these surfaces.

• Give snow plows and road maintenance equipment extra room and don’t pass snow plows on the right (plow drivers will pull over to let you pass, so be patient).

• Don’t use cruise control in wet, icy, snowy or foggy conditions.

• In limited visibility conditions of dense fog or blinding snow, don’t stop on the highway. Turn flashers on and pull completely off the road on the right side if you must stop.

• Always – know before you go. Check current road conditions on ODOT’s web site www.TripCheck.com or call 511.