Travel on I-5 through Mt. Shasta area not recommended Tuesday night through Thursday afternoon

Ashland.news staff report

Wind gusts of up to 70 mph are expected from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 7 p.m. Wednesday in southeast Jackson County, including Ashland and Interstate 5 over Siskiyou Summit, the National Weather Service said in a high wind warning notice issued Monday evening.

Strong, gusty winds will build throughout the day on Tuesday and remain very strong through Wednesday, the notice says. A wind advisory kicks in a bit earlier, at 1 p.m. Tuesday, with top gusts of up to 50 mph expected. Winds ranging from 25 to 40 mph are expected during the advisory and warning periods.

Damaging winds can blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible.

Motorists are advised to use caution if they must drive as strong winds may create difficult driving conditions for high profile vehicles. It’s also recommended to avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches, and to secure loose objects that might get blown around before winds pick up.

Hazardous winter weather is also expected in Siskiyou County, the NWS warned, with high winds and snow Tuesday night through Thursday afternoon. Travel is not recommend in the area during that period.

Relatively balmy temps Tuesday — the forecast high is 63 in Ashland — tumbles down to highs of 55 Wednesday, 50 Thursday and 44 Friday, according to the forecast as of Monday evening. Lows Tuesday through Friday are expected to be 49, 43, 37 and 32, respectively.

The chance of rain rises to 30% Tuesday evening, peaks at 90% Wednesday into the evening before tailing off to 70% on Thursday.

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