Salem-News.com Weather articles

Coldest Days of Winter May Lie Ahead

How much snow will fall and where remains highly uncertain at this point.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The coldest temperatures of the winter are expected to drop southwestward into southwest Washington and northwest Oregon beginning Wednesday night. These frigid temps will likely persist through at least the weekend.

Widespread high temperatures in the 30s to low 40s and low temperatures in the 20s appear likely.

Winter Weather Advisory in Effect for Oregon`s Willamette Valley

The heaviest snowfall is expected from late afternoon through about midnight Wednesday.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The heaviest precipitation can be expected from late afternoon through about midnight Wednesday, with snow accumulations of up to two inches (though it will be deeper in some areas).

Snow levels late this afternoon over southwest Washington and far northwest Oregon will be around 500 feet. Snow levels for the
central coast are expected to be closer to 1000 feet.

Flood Watch In Effect for NW Oregon and SW Washington

5 to 10 inches of rain is expected across the higher terrain with around 1.5-3 inches for the interior valleys.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - A Flood Watch is effect from 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday morning for portions of Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington.

A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Stormy Weather Makes Dangerous Conditions on Oregon Coast

Coast Guard urges caution for forecast weather conditions and "King Tides"

(ASTORIA, Ore.) - The Coast Guard would like to make the public aware of dangerous conditions expected to occur offshore and along the coastal Pacific Northwest this weekend, starting as early as Friday.

The National Weather Service has issued storm warnings, high wind advisories and hazardous seas warnings for much of the Washington and Oregon coasts, lasting as late as Saturday evening.

Oregon Expects Snow Above 500`

Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The cold winds of winter are blowing our way. The National Weather Service reports that heavy snow is expected to blanket much of the Northwest, beginning later today. A series of storm systems will bring heavy mountain snow, locally heavy rain, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions.

The Winter Weather Advisory for the Portland/Vancouver Metro area remains in effect until noon today (Monday).

Wet, Muddy and Slippery Weather Outlook for Oregon

Heavy rain could lead to river and stream flooding for some portion of southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - A prolonged atmospheric river event will bring moderate to heavy rain rates beginning Wednesday night potentially continuing through Saturday.

Heavy rain can trigger landslides and debris flows in steep terrain, and the risk is higher in burn areas.

SW Oregon Expects Historic Storm

Expect delays, poor driving conditions in SW Oregon

(MEDFORD, Ore.) - Drivers should expect damaging winds, especially on the south coast and blizzard conditions with low snow levels in the mountain passes. “If people can leave today, now is the time,” said ODOT District Manager Jerry Marmon. “Travel Tuesday into Wednesday is forecast to be the worst, with conditions improving for Thanksgiving Day.”

South coast wind gusts of more than 75 mph are predicted. Six to 12 inches of snow are expected to fall on the I-5 corridor in Oregon and higher amounts in the Cascade passes.

OR 34 Corvallis-Lebanon Highway Cleanup Underway

The highway is open, but you should expect lane closures and delays

(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) - Crews began removing debris, clearing culverts and rebuilding shoulders today on OR 34, Corvallis-Lebanon Highway, between Colorado Lake Drive and Peoria Road.

Flood waters closed the road between Tuesday night and Friday morning. As of April 13, an eastbound lane remained closed at the OR 34 Bypass and the Bypass was closed between OR 99W and OR 34. Single lane closures should be expected for at least two weeks.

Upcoming Time Change Expected to Cause Drowsy Drivers

Avoid drowsy driving, get extra rest now

(SALEM, Ore.) - This weekend, Oregonians will spring forward by setting clocks ahead one hour (officially at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 10), and safety advocates want to remind travelers that changes to sleeping patterns can result in drowsy driving.

Drowsy driving can be deadly just like driving impaired.
From 2013 – 2017 in Oregon, 58 people died in crashes involving a drowsy driver – and officials believe the real number is likely higher.

Hooskanadan Slide Continues Closure Hwy 101 MP344

Traffic is detouring using Carpenterville Highway.

(BROOKINGS, Ore.) - The Hooskanadan slide is still active this morning. Traffic is detouring using Carpenterville Highway. Freight restrictions are in effect and motor carrier enforcement officers are on both sides checking traffic.

Drivers are reminded that Carpenterville Highway is a long, narrow and winding road with steep grades and an elevation change of 1,700 feet.