Ice, Dense Fog Could Make Roads Dangerous, Impassable Tonight, Wednesday

Police and ODOT say motorists should avoid travel in the mid-valley tonight and Wednesday morning unless absolutely necessary.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - ODOT is warning motorists to stay off the roads Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning as icy conditions are expected to continue. Although the storm subsided Tuesday afternoon, colder temperatures are making travel in Western Oregon extremely hazardous. Particular trouble spots include Interstate 5 from Eugene to Ashland and highways between the Willamette Valley and the Oregon Coast. Temperatures are expected to drop into the mid-20s overnight, and the colder air will freeze wet or slushy roads and make Wednesday morning driving especially perilous. “Anything that is damp this afternoon is going to be slick come Wednesday morning,” said Bob Doran, ODOT district manager for Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties. “Motorists need to slow down and drive to the icy conditions.” “The suddenness of the storm kept ODOT crews busy,” said Eryca McCartin, ODOT district manager for Jackson and Josephine counties. “We were responding to dozens of crashes “Motorists ill-equipped for winter driving and driving too fast for the conditions contributed to long delays on many highways, including I-5 between Roseburg and Ashland.” ODOT and Oregon State Police officials encourage drivers to prepare their vehicles for winter driving conditions. “If travel is necessary, motorists should prepare for the worst,” said Mike Spaeth, ODOT’s Lane County district manager. “Plan for the possibility of long delays and chain requirements.” In addition to carrying chains or traction tires, vehicles need to be winter-ready with an emergency kit that includes food and water, suitable winter clothing and with a full tank of fuel in case of long delays. Salem Public Works crews operated five plows/sanding trucks, one grader, one v‑plow and two deicing trucks Tuesday. Crews are working 12‑hour shifts in preparation for black ice and hazardous road conditions throughout the Salem area Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Chandler Drive S between Azalea Drive and Biegler Lane has been closed due to icy conditions. Chains or tractions tires are not required at this time in the Portland Metro area. Motorist should carry chains in case weather conditions change. If you must drive Wednesday morning, here are some tips to remember:

• Slow down. Do not drive faster than conditions permit.
• Increase following distance to ensure enough reaction time and stopping distance.
• Be ready for emergency stops by other vehicles.
• Turn off your cruise control so that you are in control of your vehicle.
• Do not change lanes or pass other vehicles, unless absolutely necessary.
• Signal early and brake gently.
• Watch for slow-moving or parked vehicles or snow plows.

• Tonight: Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers in the evening -- then partly cloudy after midnight. Lows around 25. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
• Wednesday: Partly sunny. Patchy fog in the morning. Highs 35 to 40 light wind.
• Wednesday night: Mostly clear. Patchy fog. Lows around 25 light wind.
• Thursday: Partly sunny. Patchy fog in the morning. Highs around 40 light wind.
• Thursday night: Mostly clear. Lows around 30.
• Friday: Mostly sunny. Highs 40 to 45.
• Friday night: Partly cloudy. Lows 30 to 35.
• Saturday: Partly sunny. Highs around 45.
• Saturday night: Mostly cloudy. Lows 30 to 35.
• Sunday: Mostly cloudy. Highs around 45.
• Sunday night: Partly cloudy. Lows 30 to 35.
• Monday: Partly sunny. Highs around 45