Drivers prepare for winter weather - KOBI-TV NBC5 / KOTI-TV NBC2

Medford, Ore. — The Rogue Valley is set to get it’s first dose of winter weather this week, just as thousands hit the road for Thanksgiving. A winter weather advisory will be in effect for much of Southern Oregon and Northern California beginning overnight. That means drivers need to get their cars winter ready.

“It’s starting pretty vigorous, so it might be a good winter,” Ed Miller of Ed’s Tire Factory says.

Auto shops across the region are working nonstop, as an estimated 47 million people plan to travel 50 or more miles for turkey day.

At Les Schwab in Medford, drivers are gearing up for an impending storm that will bring several inches to the passes, and a chance for snow even here in the Rogue Valley.

“Make sure you’ve got some chains with you just incase you get caught somewhere, and don’t forget to stock your car with all the winter necessities,” Jake Nash says.

“Water, flashlight, blanket, a little bit of food,” Nash adds.

“Make sure you take gloves along so you don’t freeze your fingers (when putting chains on),” Miller says.

And if you haven’t put chains on before, many shops will show you. Depending on the brand, chains will cost you anywhere from 30 to a 100 bucks.

Experts recommend always having a full tank of gas before you hit the road, and encourage drivers to get new windshield wipers for driving in winter weather.