Salem-News.com Weather articles Page 40

Gresham Opens Public Warming Center

The Gresham shelter will provide protection from the weather but will not provide food or bedding.

(GRESHAM, Ore.) - In response to the snow and extreme temperatures the City is offering a temporary warming center available in Gresham beginning Saturday December 13th through Thursday December 18th.

Oregon Winter Road Reports (UPDATED)

Road Reports, Updates and Warnings will be posted here throughout the day so you can plan your travels appropriately, and safely.

(SALEM, Ore.) - TRANSPORTATION:
ODOT Region 1: Chains are now required on vehicles on ALL HIGHWAYS in the Portland Metro area--not just I-5, but ALL of them.

Oregon Closures and Delays Due to Winter Weather System (UPDATED)

(SALEM, Ore.) - PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

Washington Co. Schools:
Beaverton Sch. Dist.: All Beaverton School District schools and facilities closed Monday.

Yamhill Co. Schools:
Newberg Sch. Dist.: Closed (Effective tomorrow - Mon Dec 15th)

Hillsboro Sch. Dist.: All Schools are closed and all activities are canceled. (Effective tomorrow - Mon Dec 15th)

Click below to get the latest closure updates!

Life-Threatening Blizzard Targets Mid-West States

Cold is following the storm in the Northeast.

(STATE COLLEGE, Pa.) - A potent storm sliding from the northern Rockies to the northern Plains will bring dangerous blizzard conditions from Montana to the Dakotas, AccuWeather.com reports.

Up to a foot of snow will fall in central and eastern Montana and North Dakota into Sunday morning.

While the heavy snow falls, winds will whip greater than 40 mph across the area, blowing snow around. The visibility will be reduced to near zero as a result for extended periods of time.

Oregon Roads are Icy!

Frosty conditions mean drivers need to slow down and be extremely careful.

(SALEM, Ore.) - It is that time of year again when our news mailbox begins filling up with news releases from police and fire agencies detailing the most recent icy road related crashes in Oregon. It is staggering to consider how frequently these often tragic accidents, could have been avoided.

Each year in Oregon, far too many people are severely injured and killed from crashes that result from drivers losing control on the ice. We are into that time of year when each morning, sections of streets and highways may be very slick. Depending on where you are, the conditions can last all day. Sometimes the ice melts off and refreezes again when the sun goes down.

Even the most experienced drivers have to direct maximum attention to driving on snow and ice. The most challenging driving conditions result from black ice; invisible on the roadways. Black ice often remains on shaded stretches of roadway when the road seems otherwise safe.

Icy Roads Blamed for Multiple Wrecks in Forest Grove

Fire and police officials in Oregon are asking drivers to slow down and avoid becoming a statistic.

(FOREST GROVE, Ore.) - Firefighters from Forest Grove Fire & Rescue responded to multiple cars wrecks on Wednesday due to icy road conditions, according to Fire Inspector Matt Johnston.

One Year Later

Oregonians remember and learn from all the good that was done last year and Oregon Emergency Management is encouraging people to prepare in case something like the Great Coastal Gale happens again.

(SALEM, Ore.) - It has been called "the Great Coastal Gale of 2007". Just two days in December of last year that many of us will remember for a long time.

Weakening Winds Means Good News for Firefighters

Fire officials say threats of new and spreading fires remain.

(SANTA BARBARA) - AccuWeather.com reports good news for firefighters today, as Santa Ana winds weaken and high pressure over the Rockies begins to break down.

However, the winds will not completely subside as gusts up to 35 mph will be possible in the typically prone areas through midday.

These types of winds will still have the possibility of generating new fires and spreading existing fires. Residents should continue to exercise extreme care when dealing with cigarette butts and sparks across Southern California.

Water Bureau Temporarily Turns Off Bull Run Water Supply‏

The Water Bureau will rely on the secondary source as long as weather conditions and water quality dictate.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The Portland Water Bureau turned off the Bull Run water supply system this morning due to increased turbidity in the watershed. The bureau activated groundwater wells in the Columbia South Shore Well Field to temporarily serve water to Portland.

Recent heavy rains and increased stream flows in the Bull Run watershed have contributed to this rapid increase in turbidity. Turbidity is a measurement of the cloudiness of (drinking) water by suspended particles.

"Stream levels rose rapidly overnight resulting in a spike in turbidity at Headworks (treatment facility). Although stream levels have crested, turbidity levels continued to rise through the morning. We are taking this proactive step to ensure that we continue to serve the high quality water that we strive to provide." said Water Bureau Administrator David Shaff.

Roads Closed by Slides in Oregon Coast Range (VIDEOS)

Good weather should aid Oregon highway crews dispatched to clear the areas.

(TILLAMOOK, Ore.) - A mud slide has closed Oregon 6, the Wilson River Highway, at mile post 15. Crews are responding and working to clear the scene, according to Adam Torgerson with the Oregon Department of Transportation.

"Crews will continue to work from both sides of the slide area and hope to have at least one lane cleared today. Depending on the condition of the underlying road, crews will determine whether or not further repairs are needed before traffic can safely travel through the area," Torgerson said.

U.S. 101 remains closed from mile post 23 - 24, between its junction with U.S. 26 and Seaside, because standing water is creating a safety concern. Torgerson told Salem-News it is an idea the agency watches closely during periods of adverse weather.