Salem-News.com Washington articles

Closure of NB Interstate Bridge Over the Columbia Starts at Midnight

The bridge's southbound span will carry all northbound and southbound traffic during the nine-day closure

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Be prepared for nine days of shifting lanes, travel delays and slow traffic on both the north and south sides of the bridge carrying I-5 over the Columbia River.

The nine-day closure of the northbound span of the I-5 Interstate Bridge is set to begin at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. The closure will bring with it the likelihood of nine days of major congestion throughout the Portland and Vancouver area.

High Wind Watch Issued for Western Oregon Areas

Batten down the hatches! Windstorm is Forecast.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The National Weather Service has announced a High Wind Watch is in effect from Sunday morning through Sunday evening for the greater Portland and Vancouver metro area, the Willamette Valley, Lower Columbia and I-5 Corridor in Cowlitz County.

South to Southwest winds are expected to be 30 to 40 mph, with gusts to 60 mph.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for NW Oregon

Stay away from your windows, and prepare for loss of electricity.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The National Wether Service in Portland has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING.

At 10:58 a.m. PT the National Weather Service observing equipment indicated a line of severe thunderstorms producing damaging winds in excess of 60 mph. These storms were located along a line extending from 7 miles south of Monmouth to near Creswell and moving northeast at 45 mph.

Warming Shelters in Salem, Oregon

It's time to find shelter from the freezing weather

(SALEM, Ore.) - With temperatures expected to fall well below freezing, a Warming Center has been activated to begin at 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 31, through 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 2 (this may be extended depending on weather). LOCATION: First Congregational Church, 700 Marion Street NE, Salem OR 97301.

Other possible warming locations in Salem include (call ahead for information):
Union Gospel Mission--Men's Shelter...

Snow Expected Above 750 Elevation North of Salem

Special Weather Statement Issued by NWS Portland (Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington)

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - According to the National Weather Service, snow levels will be low Sunday morning for the greater Portland metro area, and the lower Columbia region.

Next, the new frontal system will spread precipitation to the north and central Willamette Valley, Clark County in SW Washington, and the I-5 corridor in Cowlitz County on Sunday. Snow levels Sunday morning will be around 500 to 1000 feet.

High Wind Warning Issued for NW Oregon and SW Washington by NWS

A wind storm is expected for much of NW Oregon and SW Washington on Monday. Winds will be increasing to 25 to 35 mph with gusts 50 to 60 mph.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - This storm is expected to produce a period of heavy rain Monday morning and early Monday afternoon, but the associated cold front is forecast to move south of northwest Oregon by late Monday – sooner than previously thought. This will limit the duration of the heavy rain and lessening the risk of flooding on area rivers.

However, the rain may be heavy enough at times for some localized urban flooding.

Freezing Rain Advisory and Warming Locations in Salem

Freezing Rain Advisory is in effect until November 24 at 10:00AM PST

(SALEM, Ore.) - Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for parts of southeast Washington and northeast Oregon tonight through Tuesday night.

A low pressure system and cold front will move across the area tonight and Tuesday. This will result in snow for many locations, especially Central and Northeast Oregon.

Activists Make Statement at Nuke Base: Our Children Deserve Better!

Kitsap-Bangor has 8 of the nation's 14 OHIO Class (Trident) ballistic missile submarines.

(SILVERDALE, Wash.) - Activists briefly blockaded the entrance to a West Coast nuclear weapons base in a statement against U.S. Nuclear modernization efforts on the eve of Mothers Day.

Carrying signs saying “Our children deserve better”, five protesters walked into the roadway and blocked traffic entering the base. Washington State Patrol officers moved in and escorted the protesters off the roadway.

Washington Man Takes Own Life after Standoff with Oregon Police

If you or someone you know needs help with suicidal thoughts or is otherwise in an immediate mental health crisis, HELP is available.

(SISTERS, Ore. ) - Oregon State Police, with the assistance of Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and Bend Police Department, are investigating the death of an adult male following a standoff Saturday during a stop along Highway 20W between Sisters and Bend.

Injured Hiker Rescued From Mount Saint Helens

The isolated location of where the individual sustained his injury made it difficult for emergency responders to rescue him.

(MOUNT SAINT HELENS, Wash.) - A Coast Guard Air Station Astoria MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew rescued a 40-year-old Kelso, Washington, resident who suffered a leg injury while hiking 4,100 feet up Mount St. Helens, Monday.

The man was successfully hoisted and transported to Long View Hospital where he was met by local emergency medical services for further transport to advanced medical care.