PENDLETON, Ore. — Update: I-84 has reopened in both directions, however, many other routes remain closed in Eastern Oregon.
Interstate 84 is closed in both directions Monday morning due to high winds and blowing snow.
The 86-mile closure stretches from Exit 216 near Pendleton to the Baker City exit. Westbound I-84 is also closed to trucks and through traffic at Exit 374.
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, conditions in the area are so severe that "snow plow drivers cannot see the road well enough to effectively plow snow." High winds, whiteout conditions, and snow drifts on the highway have been reported.
Plowing may be postponed for days on some state routes in Umatilla County, and ODOT is advising county residents to stay home and postpone travel if they can. A new snowstorm is expected to move into the area Monday, along with continued high winds.
Other closed routes include OR245, OR204, OR11, OR74, OR331, OR334, OR335, and other highways. Many city and county routes are also shut down.
ODOT strongly urged travelers to avoid putting themselves and emergency responders in danger by staying off closed routes and using common sense.
"Do not drive on closed roadways or through snow drifts, as you could become stuck and stranded with little chance of rescue until conditions significantly improved, possibly days," the department wrote in a press release. "Conditions are expected to get worse today with new weather system moving in. Stay home and stay safe."
ODOT will continue to evaluate weather and road conditions, and will reopen the highways and commence plowing when it is safe to do so. Check back for updates.
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