Drippy weather for Sisters Country

Sisters Country is expected to settle into a drippy weather pattern through much of the week.

Forecasters are calling for rain on Wednesday, turning to snow Wednesday night, then back to showers on Thursday. There is a chance of precipitation through Saturday.

No major weather is expected for the next 10 days or more, but the precipitation can cause problems for drivers, particularly in the early morning and late evening hours, when precipitation on roadways freezes. Drivers should check their speed at these times and be especially alert in areas where roads are shaded for much of the day.

The Santiam Pass was snarled on Saturday as vehicles slid off the icy road and traffic slowed to a crawl. Sketchy conditions common to the season are likely to prevail on the pass in coming weeks.

The Oregon Department of Transportation advises travelers to use http://www.trip

check.com to check on road conditions before traveling. ODOT also recommends the following winter driving tips:

• Plan ahead, give yourself plenty of time.

• Adjust your driving for the conditions if there is ice or snow on the road.

• Be ready to handle potentially dangerous situations.

• 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, or snowy weather.