Salem-News.com Weather articles Page 35

Evacuations Ordered in Cowlitz County‏

Due to the rain and flooding, churches, clubs, schools, and community groups are encouraged to cancel evening activities.

(KELSO, Wash.) - Officials in Cowlitz County say the area is continuing to experience floods and slides. The county has declared an emergency as conditions are expected to worsen. (see: Cowlitz County Declares Emergency‏)

Notice of evacuation has been given to residents in the south portion of Kelso, both east and west of Interstate 5, Toutle area near county roads Sightly, Canal and Moore, and in the city of Woodland a Mobile home park and a R.V park at 2009 Lewis River Road.

People are currently providing sand bag protection at the Brook Hollow Mobile Home park located on East Allen Street.

Closures and Delays in Oregon and SW Washington

Here is the latest roundup of closures and delays in place due to flooding and weather-related issues.

(SALEM, Ore.) - This latest list of delays and closures includes listings for Banks and Credit Unions, Counties/Regional, Police/Fire, Public Colleges and Universities, Schools, Transportation and Utilities.

We will keep this information as up to date as possible, but we suggest double checking information whenever possible. Conditions can worsen quickly and this list does receive constant updates.

Check Salem-News.com for numerous other weather-related articles; the weather in the northwest is potentially dangerous and every precaution taken is a good step.

Fallen Tree Grinds Commercial Traffic to a Halt on Highway 26 (PHOTOS)

Problems with the trucks are resolved but state police urge drivers in the area to use extreme caution.

(GOVERNMENT CAMP) - Wednesday was a tough morning for truck drivers on Highway 26 east of Government Camp near the Highway 216 junction.


Oregon State Police Senior Trooper Mike Bates says the trucks came to a halt after a tree fell, spanning the road.


Although it took a while, he says the trucks have been removed from the area. Oregon's Department of Transportation and OSP encourages motorists who are planning a trip on state highways during and after such heavy rains to visit TripCheck.com to check their route before leaving.

Cowlitz County Declares Emergency

Those areas with livestock, that are prone to flooding, need to consider moving their animals now rather than wait.

(KELSO, Wash.) - Cowlitz County has declared an emergency as a result of the heavy rain and flooding. The National Weather Service forecast for flooding has increased from minor to major severity as the Cowlitz River continues to rise.

Vernonia Schools Prepare for the Worst

School officials say they will keep a watchful eye on the river levels throughout the night; they also say they can use some financial assistance.

(VERNONIA, Ore.) - The Vernonia School District is prepared for the worst. Thirteen months after the flood of 2007 the District is taking no chances on being caught off guard.

Dr. Kenneth Cox, Superintendent, says, "We have been monitoring the weather and the river levels and have made arrangements to deal with whatever comes."

He says that as a safety precaution, there will be no school tomorrow, Thursday January 8th due to the potential for water over the roadways throughout the Vernonia School District.

Coast Guard Warns Residents to Prepare for Winter Storms

Safety tips from the Coast Guard as the northwest moves into storm season.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - With severe weather approaching, the Coast Guard reminds boaters and beach-goers to be prepared and stay aware. Strong winds and heavy surf are forecast over the next several days.

Minimize contact with flood water - Standing water from flooding can carry diseases and hazardous chemicals.

If you get your water from a well and water floods into your pump house - check to see if water from the ground went down your well.

Most Clackamas County Roads Reopen

Drivers are advised not to drive around barricades, and residents are asked to clear driveway culverts‏.

(CLACKAMAS, Ore.) - As of mid-day Monday, January 5th, only a few Clackamas County roads were still closed because of the recent heavy rains and no county residents were "landlocked." County road workers have been on the job 24-hours a day since December 13th.

Officials say Henrici Road is closed between Shore Vista Drive and Driftwood Drive because of flooding that washed away a portion of the bridge approach. The recommended detour is to use Highway 213 to get between Redland Road and Beavercreek Road.

Potential Danger of Debris Flows Issued for Large Portions of Western Oregon

The experts say drivers should not assume highways are safe.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The National Weather Service in Portland says residents need to be prepared for the potential of debris flows and landslides as part of a Flood Watch issued for large portions of Oregon.

Affected areas include the Cascade Foothills in Lane County, Cascades in Lane County, the Central Coast Range of western Oregon, the central coast, Willamette Valley, the Coast Range of the northwest Oregon, the Greater Portland Metro area, Lower Columbia, Northern Cascades, Upper Hood River Valley and the western Columbia Gorge.

Flood related problems are also expected in southwest Washington. Areas of concern include the greater Vancouver area, I-5 Corridor in Cowlitz County, the south Washington Cascade Foothills, south Washington Cascades, south Washington coast, Western Columbia River Gorge and Willapa.

Truck Crashes Halt Traffic on Interstate 84 for 3 Hours (PHOTOS)

Jackknife crashes affect Interstate 84 eastbound traffic for 3 hours east of Mosier.

(MOSIER, Ore.) - Police say Interstate 84 eastbound lanes were closed about three hours Monday morning east of Mosier following multiple ice-related commercial truck crashes including a jackknifed set of double trailers at the Memaloose Rest Area.

Highway conditions were icy; state troopers say this was caused by freezing rain on top of packed snow.

A commercial truck pulling two semi-trailers was eastbound on Interstate 84 near milepost 72 when the rear trailer started sliding on ice, according to Oregon State Police Senior Trooper Michael Holloran.

Multiple Highways Close in Northeast Oregon

ODOT Region 5: Multiple highway closures in NE Oregon

(LA GRANDE, Ore.) - Oregon State Police say several state highways in north east Oregon are closed due to high winds, blowing snow with limited visibility and hazardous driving conditions.

Oregon's Department of Transportation has closed Interstate 84 between Pendleton and La Grande, Oregon Highway 11 between I-84 and Milton-Freewater, and Oregon Highway 204 between Weston and mile point 10.

They advise motorists to stay home until the storm passes.