As the first round of snowstorms hits the region for the first time this season, crews in California and Southern Oregon have been working around the clock to ensure roads will be safe to travel.

Since the Siskiyou Summit is near the California/Oregon border, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) work together to maintain conditions on I-5.

Officials with these agencies are cautioning drivers thinking about hitting the road during these severe weather conditions.

“If you don’t need to travel, wait until the weather is better but if you do have to travel, just be prepared for slow travel, be prepared for possible highway closures, be sure you have chains with you and you know how to use them,” Christopher Woodward, a spokesperson for Caltrans said.

Woodward explained a few weeks ago, both agencies came together for an annual meeting to go over road conditions as the winter approaches.

Bob Harshman, the interim transportation maintenance manager for the Oregon Department of Transportation, explains the process agencies go through to help keep drivers safe during this weather.

“When temperatures warrant, we will put deicer on the road, so when it does start snowing it doesn’t stick. It keeps the bond of the snowpack away from the road."

“Once it starts to snow, we will throw out a little salt and sand, and just plow, make turns on the hill until it stops snowing.”

“The salt helps melt the snow and then the sand is an abrasive for traction, it’s a cinder that we put out there that makes for better traction for everybody to get over the hill.”

“Take your time, get behind them, the safest place to be in a snowstorm is behind a snowplow, don’t crowd them and give them lots of room to work and we will do our best to get you up over the hill safely.”

Both transportation experts said their number one advice for drivers traveling in winter weather conditions is to always check road conditions before you drive off.

You can check road conditions in Oregon through tripcheck.com. California road conditions can be found on the Caltrans Quickmap site here.

Drivers should be prepared by filling the gas tank and carrying an emergency bag inside the car with batteries, water, food, medicine, chargers, and extra warm clothing or blankets.

If you have a pet with you while traveling, it is recommended to carry extra food, water, or medicine the animal may need in case of an emergency.