Salem-News.com Weather articles Page 18

Wintery Start to the Week over California Passes

After a break on Tuesday, another storm system will move quickly across the Golden State on Wednesday, quite possibly bringing similar weather conditions.

(STATE COLLEGE, PA) - A storm system pushing inland will produce gusty winds and snow showers over Donner, Cajon and Tejon passes to start the week.

While some ski resorts in the Sierra Nevada will be treated with up to a foot of snow into tonight, the fast-moving storm system will make for tricky travel in the passes.

Oregonians Take Part in `Polar Bear Plunge` and Help Special Olympics

The event was held Saturday morning, at NE Portland’s Broughton Beach on the Columbia River.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - You've got to be crazy to consider something like this, yet every year Oregonians do the unthinkable, plunging into icy cold water at a number of locations, they say the event first got rolling in Bend.

Our ace photographer Q Madp, known for his role as the founder of IraqWarHeroes.org, was on scene to record the action.

No Explanation for Pennsylvania`s Purple Squirrel

"I kept telling my husband I saw a purple one out in the yard. 'Oh sure you did' he kept telling me," - Connie Emert

(STATE COLLEGE, Pa.) - AccuWeather.com reports a Pennsylvania couple trapped, of all things, a purple squirrel on Sunday.

Percy and Connie Emert, of Jersey Shore, Pa. caught the unusual animal when trying to keep birds safe from the rodents.

Heavy Rains Limit Access in the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area

Crews are working quickly, but it could take weeks.

(DETROIT, Ore.) - Recent storms continue to create hazardous driving conditions on Forest Service roads in the northern section of the Willamette National Forest, particularly in the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area.

Public safety concerns have prompted forest engineers to issue a temporary closure of Forest Service Road 2207, which accesses several popular recreation sites...

`Snowed in in Seattle`: A Plea for Peace to the White House

Most people know about being "Sleepless in Seattle." Well, I am "snowed in in Seattle!" But even six inches of snow in Seattle don't keep me from becoming steamed when I read the latest news reports on the activities of the U.S. war machine:

(SEATTLE) - At a time when U.S.-Iran tensions are the highest I have experienced in my lifetime, Danger Room of wired.com breaks a news story that a new US commando special operations team is operating near Iran.

Meanwhile, a columnist in Lebanon writes that Syria increasingly looks like Libya.

Flooded Turner, Oregon Seeks Donations and Assistance

Families affected are in need of basic home building supplies and cash.

(TURNER) - Historic Turner, Oregon has been flooded to the gills with recent rains.

Families there need assistance and their city administrator has issued a special plea for help to get this Oregon city back on track. The city will match the first $10,000 in cash donations.

New Western Storm Expected to Worsen Flooding

... another in a continuous parade of storms that will last well into next week.

(SALEM Accuweather.com) - There's no rest for the weary across the Pacific Northwest as yet another storm packed with moisture is set to plow ashore, promising to worsen ongoing flooding and complicate cleanup efforts following this week's record snow and ice storm.

Emergency declarations remain in effect for parts of Oregon and Washington in the wake of the storm, which has led to major flooding in the Willamette Valley and a dangerous mix of snow and ice in Seattle.

Marion County Flooding Update

Includes important tips for local residents.

(SALEM) - The improvement in the weather during the past 24 hours gave emergency crews a chance to begin the recovery process in Marion County.

The Marion County ECC is still in operation, but was expected to ramp down later this afternoon with staff remaining on call if needed.

Flood Waters Bring Health Concerns

Several things to keep in mind while the water levels remain high...

(MCMINNVILLE, Ore.) - After having the driest December in years, Oregon is facing a wet start to 2012. "We realize that rising water is a concern for many people in Yamhill County", reports Bonnie Corns, Community Health Manager.

Corps to release water stored behind Willamette Valley dams

"We’ll do everything we can to keep water levels below the tops of the riverbanks..." Erik Petersen, operations project manager for the Corps’ Willamette Valley Projects.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin increasing the amount of water released from its 13 dams in the Willamette River Basin this weekend, to prepare for storms predicted to arrive next week.

Residents immediately downriver of Dexter, Dorena and Fern Ridge dams may see water levels exceed bankfull levels.