Salem-News.com Weather articles

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.

Snow West of the Cascades Starting Thursday Night

Temperatures will be cold enough for snow to stick.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The next possibility for low elevation snow will be on Thursday night into Friday morning. A band of light precipitation is expected to develop over the region during this time, which will likely result in some snow flurries with little to no accumulation for many locations.

A cold air mass will remain over the Pacific Northwest through the weekend, and potentially much of next week as well. This will likely result in additional chances for low elevation snowfall.

Be Prepared for Winter Conditions Across Eastern Oregon

The winter weather advisory remains in effect from 4 p.m. this afternoon to 6 a.m. PST Friday.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - ODOT crews in eastern Oregon are preparing for winter weather moving across the area tonight, creating challenging driving conditions over the next few days.

Today’s National Weather Service announcement calls for MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW IN THE NORTHERN BLUE MOUNTAINS TONIGHT at elevations above 4000 feet.

Oregon Weather: Heavy Rain and Gusty Winds Expected

Combination of heavy rain and strong winds may make travel difficult.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The strongest storm so far this season appears likely to impact southwest Washington and northwest Oregon late Monday into Tuesday, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds to the region.

Strong south winds are expected to develop along the coast Monday, then spread inland Monday night and Tuesday. Winds strong enough to down trees and power lines are expected along the coast and in higher elevations of the Coast Range.

OREGON: Special Weather Statement

Columbia Gorge/Hood River: A frontal system Sat-Sun may bring the threat of substantial ice and snow.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - LIGHT WINTRY MIX OF PRECIPITATION POSSIBLE FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY FOR THE HOOD RIVER VALLEY...PORTIONS OF THE COLUMBIA GORGE AND ADJACENT AREAS.

Cold air trapped east of the Cascades will remain in place through Friday night, when a Pacific frontal system is expected to spread light precipitation across southwest Washington and northwest Oregon.