Latest: I-84 through E. Oregon reopens after blizzard conditions overnight

Oregon Department of Transportation worked through the night trying to reopen Interstate 84 through Eastern Oregon but all lanes remained closed until noon Tuesday.

Blizzard-like conditions in the late spring snowstorm that hit the Northwest starting Monday slowed their efforts to open it sooner, said the department.

Limited tow trucks were available for the number of vehicles that needed to be pulled out.

I-84 was closed from six miles east of Pendleton to just east of La Grande due to snow and multiple trucks that had spun out Monday evening.

As of 5 a.m. Tuesday westbound lanes also were closed from Baker City to La Grande, with westbound truck traffic stopped at Ontario, due to the lack of truck parking at Baker City and La Grande.

Highways 204 and 245 were also closed and travelers were warned they are not viable detours for interstate traffic.

“Do not blindly follow GPS navigation devices/apps for detour options, as many other routes are impacted by the winter-like weather,” said state transporation officials.

Another 2 to 4 inches of snow were forecast for Tuesday on I-84 about 30 miles east of Pendleton, according to the National Weather Service.

This story was originally published April 12, 2022 at 8:22 AM.