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EUGENE, Ore. -- Batten down the hatches: a series of storm systems will make weekend driving dangerous and threaten to leave behind hazardous conditions for the Monday morning commute.

• NEWS YOU CAN USE: How to drive in snow and ice

The winter blast began Friday with rain and high winds gusting to 65 mph on the coast, followed by snow and slick conditions Friday night and Saturday in the Coast Range and blizzards in the Cascades.

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The wind started to arrive in Eugene/Springfield around noon, with forecast gusts up to 35 mph.

The snow level falls to 1,000 feet overnight, a prelude to Sunday, when the snow level could drop to the valley floor. The forecast high for Eugene on Sunday is just 35 degrees F.

If snow hits Eugene/Springfield on Sunday, lows in the 30s to low 20s should keep it around for the Monday morning commute.

The forecast calls for weekend-long accumulations of up to 3 feet of snow in the Cascades.

ODOT, Coast Guard warn about winter weather

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Department of Transportation and the U.S. Coast Guard want Oregonians to be prepared for what is shaping up to be the first winter storm of the season.

(Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.)

Cold weather driving tips

• Slow down
  
• Leave plenty of driving distance
  
• Drive defensively and cautiously – your eyes should be looking ahead and down the road so you can see conditions and traffic and will be able to react appropriately and calmly
  
• Even if you have a green light, check to see you are safe proceeding through the intersection. There may be vehicles sliding into the intersection, without the ability to stop due to road conditions and unsafe driving
  
• If you have an outside temperature gauge in your car, check it from time to time (These gauges are inexpensive and available at stores locally)
  
• Drive as though you can't rely on your brakes
  
• Be aware that road conditions can change quickly as the temperature drops
  
• The surface on overpasses and bridges freeze faster so be cautious
  
• Remove all ice on windshields and windows prior to driving to ensure adequate visibility, and make sure the vehicle’s windshield is defrosted
  
• Carry chains or traction devices if it is going to snow
  
• If it is icy out and you don't have to travel, stay home
  
• Check your tire pressure. It should be at least at the level recommended by the manufacturer. As the temperature drops, so does tire pressure
  
• Turn headlights on
  
• If you crash, carefully evaluate the situation from inside your vehicle. Don't immediately get out because it is possible other vehicles might also be crashing near you. Don't stand between moving traffic and your vehicle. Use a flare or other signaling device to warn other drivers of the crash
  
• Four-wheel drive vehicles and all-wheel driver vehicles are great at accelerating, but in snow or ice that doesn't help you stop or turn.