Salem-News Reports Affected by Weather

Salem-News.com's staff is dealing with the winter conditions and we apologze for the slower than usual rate of updates.

Roads are hazardous, police hope residents avoid driving as much as possible.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Western Oregon is socked in with hazardous weather. Snow, ice and sleet are causing all kinds of problems and emergency officials are asking the public to avoid traveling on the state's icy roads if possible.

Our staff has been unable to maintain the stream of information our visitors expect as our own Internet is down. In fact, we can not physically access our office of operation at this point due to clsed and unpassable roads.

It's a heck of a day to be running at less than full capacity.

Salem is the scene of multiple, ongoing power outages. Residents are reminded that when approaching stop lights that are out of service, they should regard the intersection as a four way stop. Do not drive through without stopping.

Police say there are trees and limbs down and across roads at hundreds of locations throughout the Salem area. Public Works and Parks personnel have responded and are working to clear these obstructions.

The Public Works Department's Emergency Operations Center has been activated. Motorists are advised to stay home if at all possible.

We are doing our best to get back up to speed but we are dealing with all of the same challenges and we do not expect to be fully operational for at least another day. In the meanwhile, we will try to bring you the most vital information.

Mike Gotterba with Salem Public Works says that if you do need to venture out, please use extra caution to avoid both trees and responders working to remove them. Downed trees may be reported to Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6333.