ODOT officials call weekend storm the 'worst in a decade'

Siskiyou Summit, Ore. — Officials with the Oregon Department of Transportation are calling the storm that hit the Siskiyou pass over the weekend the worst they’ve seen since 2003. The icy roads, combined with backed up traffic from California closed down interstate five Sunday night, for over six hours.

Officials said the closure was due to people pulling over to put on chains when they weren’t required to, as well as a surge of traffic from California that had been stopped near Redding.

“This is a real winter we’re in, and folks need to be prepared for that with chains, being able to put them on, a full tank of gas, and be ready for winter driving conditions,” Gary Leaming said, a spokesperson for ODOT.

Since the weekend, Leaming said crews have been plowing the roads around the clock, working to keep the roads clear, and open.