An updated winter weather advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for the Siskiyou Mountains and Southern Oregon Falls, effective from 9:14 p.m. Saturday through 4 a.m. Sunday.

“Total snow accumulation between 3 and 7 inches” is expected, the weather service says.

“Travelling can be very difficult,” the weather service comments. “Slow down and be careful when traveling. Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and be careful when driving. If you’re going outside, be careful about the first few steps you take on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces can be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of falling and getting injured.”

Winter weather driving safety: Navigating the cold with expert tips from the weather service

Winter weather can make driving dangerous and lead to more than 6,000 weather-related vehicular deaths and more than 480,000 injuries each year. Prioritize safety by slowing down when traveling during snow or freezing rain. In near-freezing temperatures, it is safest to assume icy conditions exist on the roads and adjust your driving accordingly. Be careful of ice buildup on power lines or tree branches, which can cause breakage and falling hazards. If possible, avoid driving in such situations. If you must go out, choose routes with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and if you encounter one, call 911 immediately. Here are additional winter driving tips from the weather service:

Share your travel plans:

When traveling out of town during hazardous winter weather, keep family or friends informed of your destination, planned route, and estimated time of arrival.

Prepare your vehicle:

Make sure your gas tank is full and equip your vehicle with winter essentials like a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blankets, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie, nonperishable foods.

Stay calm when you are stranded:

If you are stranded, stay calm. Notify someone of your condition and location. Avoid trying to walk to safety. Tape a cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror to indicate that you need help. Make your vehicle more visible by using dome light and blinkers.

Watch out for snow blowers:

Watch out for snow plows and leave enough room for them to pass. Only cross the plow when you can clearly see the road ahead.

Check road conditions:

Check the latest road conditions to make informed travel decisions before you start your journey.

These winter driving tips from the weather service are the key to a safer journey on snow-covered roads. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and protect your health in harsh winter conditions.

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