Salem-News.com Weather articles Page 34

President Obama Signs Illinois, Oregon and Washington Major Disaster Declarations

FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the states and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - The President today declared major disasters exist in the States of Illinois, Oregon and Washington.

Federal aid is order to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the areas struck by severe winter storms.

Oregon Snow May Fall to Sea Level At The Beach (VIDEO)

Sticking snow will continue Above 500 Feet tonight and Thursday as a cold low pressure system moves into the Pacific Northwest, below 500 feet snow showers can be expected but little or no accumulation is expected.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - A steady onshore flow of moisture combined with cold temperatures in the upper levels of the atmosphere continue to be the trigger for snow across the Cascades and Sierra Nevada.

Accuweather.com reports that by tonight, a foot or more of new snow will have fallen across the Washington and Oregon Cascades, while a general 3-6 inches of new snow is forecast for the mountains of northern California and northern parts of the Sierra Nevada above 5,000 feet.

Black Ice Alert for Tonight and Tomorrow Morning

Black ice is treacherous because it is almost invisible to the naked eye. It is ice that remains on roadways that do not get direct sunlight.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - A warm frontal system gave the Portland metropolitan area a mix of snow and rain this morning and afternoon. Snow and rain showers may continue on and off through the rest of the day.

Accumulations of snow are expected to be light, with more accumulations in the higher elevations. Once the snows end, travelers are advised of the potential for black ice tonight and tomorrow morning.

Poor Road Conditions Cause Multiple Crashes in Marion County

Deputies warn of hazardous road conditions.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Sheriff's Office has responded to 7 traffic crashes throughout Marion County in the past two days where icy roads and adverse weather conditions have been a contributing factor, Lt. Sheila Lorance reports.

According to Marion County's Emergency Manager, there was a dense fog advisory for the Willamette Valley until noon today.

Slippery Roads In SW Portland Leaves Motorist in Peril (PHOTOS)

Slippery driving left a car balanced over the edge of a 60-foot drop.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - One Portland motorist found out how treacherous the roads can be in the hills of SW Portland Tuesday afternoon at 12:30 p.m.

Lt. Allen Oswalt with Portland Fire, says with the roads covered with a blanket of wet, slippery snow caused some tense moments for this driver.

"As he was carefully negotiating the curves and hills of SW Humphrey Boulevard, he slowed for the upcoming corner and slid off the side of the road," Oswalt said.

City Winter Storm Damage Cleanup Continues

City staff say they appreciate the patience of residents as Parks Operations employees work through their list of reported tree damage incidents.

(SALEM, Ore.) - This past winter weather has been a unique challenge to the City and it’s Parks Operations Division, officials with the city report.

The snow, ice and wind storms have left many fallen trees, downed limbs, and broken limbs still in trees throughout the city. The cleanup from damaged City trees along streets and in parks is expected to continue for the next few months.

Salem officials say numerous citizens have expressed interest in cutting up fallen street or park trees for fire wood.

Cowlitz County Flood Update

The City of Kalama is having problems with their water system. Sixty homes are without water and many are under a boil water order.

(LONGVIEW, Wash.) - The Cowlitz County Incident Command Post that was county-wide has been closed. Officials there say command has been transferred back to each individual agency and jurisdiction.

A Bird`s Eye View of Pacific Northwest Flood Damage (VIDEO)

Coast Guard helicopter rescue crews are currently conducting overflights of flood affected areas in Oregon and Washington to assess damage and look for stranded people.

(ASTORIA, Ore.) - The United States Coast Guard has been flying over some of the northwest's most devastated flood areas, and they shared this video with us; scenes that show very clearly how significant the emergency evacuation zones.

This footage from a Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew at Air Station Astoria, Oregon, was being conducted in flood affected areas in order to assess damage and look for stranded citizens.

Cowlitz County Flood Update

Castle Rock High School will be closed on Friday, January 9th 2009.

(LONGVIEW, Wash.) - Officials say one home was damaged on Burcham Street in Kelso from a landslide today as floodwaters continue to create problems.

Pedestrians are being warned to avoid the Burcham Street slide area and to not go beyond the barricades. The 400 block of Burcham and the 1000 block of N 5th were evacuated.

All evacuees are being referred to the New Life Fellowship Church, 2441 42nd, Longview.

Problems Rising in Clatskanie (PHOTOS)

Those needing sand bags can get them at the City Shops on Clatskanie Highway 47.

(CLATSKANIE, Oregon) - Clatskanie officials have closed the Clatskanie School District. Due to flooding the Swedetown Village Manufactured Home Park has been evacuated, the area where the Northwood In and Carla's Closet have been flooded.

Swedetown Road at Olsen Road are under water and residents are urged to avoid this area as the road is closed.

Red Cross officials have set up a shelter that is currently open to those who have been affected by the floods.