Salem-News.com Weather articles

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.

Winter Weather Advisory for Willamette Valley

Central Willamette Valley- Including the cities of Salem, McMinnville, Woodburn, Stayton, and Dallas

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - A winter weather advisory is in effect from 7 p.m. this evening through noon on Wednesday for the central Willamette Valley.

Snow is expected with accumulations of 1 to 2 inches. However, some spots closer to the Coast Range and towards the Cascades Foothills may see 2 to 4 inches. A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Plan on slippery road conditions.

Winter Storm Warning: Northern Oregon Cascades

Warning has been extended

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Travel will be very difficult to impossible, especially over the passes. Gusty winds combined with heavy snowfall rates may cause white-out conditions at times.

Heavy snow is expected. Total snow accumulations of 12 to 24 inches expected. In addition, easterly winds may gust to 35 mph at times.

Oregon Snow Covered Highways and Byways

Highway status as of 3 p.m.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - I-5 traffic northbound is moving again at the MP 172 back-up, south of Cottage Grove. ODOT and utility crews are working to remove downed line across the southbound lanes. No ETO but it should be soon.

U.S. 101 is closed at MP 343, 12 miles north of Brookings due to sunken grade. No ETO. No detour.
Power is still out in much of Roseburg/Douglas County area.

Winter Storm Warning: Heavy Snow Predicted for Oregon Highways

ODOT snow removal teams are on a 24/7 work status across the state.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Weather forecasters are predicting tougher than normal driving conditions across central and northern Oregon highways between now and Tuesday, February 26. Heavy snow is expected, especially above 1500 to 2000 feet, now through late Monday night.

Central Oregon is currently predicted to receive the greater snowfall, but Interstate 84 through the Columbia Gorge is also expected to receive significant snowfall. Snow accumulations in the Northern Oregon Cascade Foothills and Northern Oregon Cascades of 10 to 20 inches is expected tonight through Sunday, though accumulations will be less below 2000 feet.