Ice, Snow Causing Major Traffic Problems in Mid-Valley

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Photo of Madrona Road in Salem Tuesday morning: Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - Salem area streets are like a skating rink this morning as the Captiol City has returned to a winter wonderland.

A light dusting of snow fell on the Salem-area Jan. 11th.

Salem police and the Oregon State Police are responding to numerous minor fender-benders and spinouts because of this morning's freezing rain and snow.

Lt. Dan Dietz says all of their patrol cars are out on studded tires.

Dietz urges drivers to use EXTREME caution this morning, especially on the Marion and Center Street bridges, and Highway 22 westbound at the S curve near Capitol Manor.

While police will not be able to respond to all of the accidents. Dietz says that if you are in a non-emergency accident to exchange information with the other driver(s) and to call a tow truck if needed.

Salem Public Works spokeman Mike Gotterba says Public Works crews are working today on plowing, sanding and deicing operations.

Crews are also preparing for the possibility of black ice and hazardous road conditions throughout the Salem area Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Crew are prepared to go to 12‑hour shifts around the clock if needed.

Some traffic signals in West Salem were out earlier today due to power outages.

Signals that are not working should be treated as a four‑way stop.

ODOT says Highway 223 from Highway 22 into Dallas has been closed after ice caused many vehicles to slide off the road this morning.

The Oregon State Police Northern Command Center advises that freezing rain is causing multiple traffic crashes from Salem to Springfield.

The current speed on I-5 in the Salem area is reportedly only 15 mph.

As of 6:10 AM troopers are on scene at 11 crashes and 2 crashes are pending response.

An unknown number of crashes have already been responded to and cleared.

OSP is calling out additional troopers to respond.

Highways that are being impacted the most are I-5, Highway 22 and 221.

Again FREEZING RAIN is causing hazardous driving conditions and the motoring public is asked to exercise extreme caution.

In the Portland area, numerous accidents and stalled vehicles are causing parking lot conditions on highways and city streets.

Chains or traction tires are now required for all vehicles on Portland area highways.

The requirement is in effect until further notice, the Oregon Department of Transportation said Tuesday morning.

ODOT encourages drivers to delay trips planned on area highways if at all possible.

For the latest Oregon road condition call 5-1-1.

Portland Airport officials say there are some delays because of the weather, and 30 flights have been cancelled.

For the latest Portland area weather and traffic information listen to our news partner News Radio 1190 KEX, or watch on our news partner KPTV-Fox 12.

A Snow Advisory is in effect until 4:00 PM today for most of Oregon.

Salem-News.com Salem area weather forecast:

Today: Snow, sleet, and freezing rain.

Snow accumulation 1 to 3 inches. Highs 35 to 40. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph -- becoming southwest.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers in the evening -- then partly cloudy after midnight. Lows around 25. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday: Partly sunny. Patchy fog in the morning. Highs 35 to 40 light wind.

Wednesday night: Mostly clear. Patchy fog. Lows around 25 light wind.

Thursday: Partly sunny. Patchy fog in the morning. Highs around 40 light wind.

Thursday night: Mostly clear. Lows around 30.

Friday: Mostly sunny. Highs 40 to 45.

Friday night: Partly cloudy. Lows 30 to 35.

Saturday: Partly sunny. Highs around 45.

Saturday night: Mostly cloudy. Lows 30 to 35.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy. Highs around 45.

Sunday night: Partly cloudy. Lows 30 to 35.

Monday: Partly sunny. Highs around 45