Many Oregonians will have to head through arctic weather in the Cascades to gather around the table for Thanksgiving dinner today.

Along with planning for Thanksgiving festivities, drivers need to plan for a safe trip there and back, Oregon Department of Transportation spokesman Dave Thompson said. Before motorists get behind the wheel, they need to check highway conditions and make sure they have – at the very least – chains or traction tires.

A heavy snow warning has been issued for Santiam Pass, on U.S. Highway 20, and Government Camp, west of Mount Hood, according to the National Weather Service’s Web site. Up to 2 feet of snow may accumulate today in the Cascades, and wind may reach gusts of up to 50 mph at higher elevations. The warning expires at 6 a.m. Friday.

In Bend, the forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies with a chance of mixed rain and snow showers, with a high of 45 degrees and a low of 29 degrees.

Thompson said drivers should check weather conditions using ODOT’s highway cameras, accessible at www.tripcheck.com, and make sure they are properly prepared. They can also call 511 on their cell phones as they are driving.

In many mountain passes throughout the region, motorists are now required carry or use chains or traction tires, according to ODOT’s Web site.

”Even if (chains are) not required on the wheels, you have to have them with you because conditions change at a moment’s notice,” Thompson said.

In areas where chains are required, drivers must comply unless an exception is specifically stated, he said. Passenger cars and light trucks that are not towing may use traction tires instead of chains under one such exception.

Thompson said drivers must be absolutely sure that their tires are, in fact, traction tires.

”Most people say, ‘Well, I think I have decent all-season tires.’ Those are not traction tires,” he said. ”A traction tire is a specific kind of tire that has a snowflake on the rim.”

Studded tires qualify as traction tires. Studless types are also available.

Thompson said drivers should check for a snowflake logo on the sidewall of the tire or ask an employee at a tire dealership to get equipped with the right tires.

Lt. Gregg Hastings, a spokesman for the Oregon State Police, said troopers commonly see drivers disregard signs telling them to put on chains or traction devices and blow past chain-up areas.

”Make sure you’re complying with the chains or traction tires signs,” he said. ”And make sure you comply at the earliest time, because once you go past a sign, you are open to being stopped and cited for a violation.”

A chain-up violation is punishable by a $145 fine, he said.

Hastings said the Oregon State Police stepped up patrols Wednesday afternoon in a push that will last through Sunday in order to reduce accidents during the Thanksgiving holiday.

He said people should also heed the first rule of winter driving: Slow down.

”Highway conditions, whether it’s wet, icy or snow-covered, may not be safe to drive even at the posted speed,” Hastings said.

Thompson agreed.

”No matter how late you are, slow down,” he said. ”I don’t mean to be smart-alecky when I say, slow down so you’ll live to be late tomorrow.”

For more information about chain laws or highway conditions, go to www.tripcheck .com or call 511 or 800-977-6368.

Travel information

For more information about chain laws or highway conditions, go to www.tripcheck.com or call 511 or 800-977-6368.