STORM WATCH: Mid-Valley Residents Bracing For Another Cold Night, Freezing Rain

The National Weather service says a Pacific says will move moisture into the valley late tonight and into Thursday morning which ill overrun the cold air that is in place now and produce freezing rain.

That could mean another day off for students throughout the valley, and headaches for morning commuters.

The snow that fell Monday and Tuesday, combined with black ice, caused numerous fender benders, and closed most schools in the mid-valley on Tuesday.

Here are Salem-area streets that you need to Be Aware! of tonight and tomorrow: (All of these roads reported icy conditions during the Tuesday morning commute)

Chemawa Rd NE at the I-5 overpass Salem-Dallas Highway River Rd S Marion and Center Street Bridges Kuebler Blvd at the 1-5 overpass Kuebler Blvd near Sprague High School Liberty Road S Browning Ave SE Wallace Rd NW Glen Creek Rd NW Liberty Rd. S Highway 22 (West and East) Commercial St @ Madrona Ratcliff Drive SE I-5 south of Salem 12th Street overpass Mission Street I-5 overpass Orchard Heights Rd NW Doaks Ferry Road NW

City, county, and ODOT crews from throughout the mid-valley will be out tonight plowing, sanding, and deicing roadways.

The NWS has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Cascade foothills through Thursday morning.

A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet, or ice accumulations that may impact travel.

The NWS is also reminding Oregonians to make sure exposed pipes are insulated, keep pets indoors as much as possible, take blankets and winter weather supplies in your vehicle if you must venture out. And most of all dress warmly for the weather.

Mid-valley police agencies want to remind you that if you are traveling in winter weather conditions to PLEASE slow down, allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, and carry or use traction devices.

This winter, AAA expects more than 100,000 stranded motorists to call for roadside assistance for vehicle extrication services.

"Performing proper vehicle maintenance and good trip planning could keep you from becoming one of these statistics," says Earl Baker, AAA Oregon Approved Auto Repair Program coordinator.

"Prevention is key to avoiding vehicle breakdowns, and now is the perfect time to have a certified technician at a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility inspect your vehicle's ignition system, antifreeze, lights, exhaust, heater/defroster, brakes, tires, windshield wipers and washer fluid, as well as change the engine oil and filter," adds Baker.

Motorists are encouraged to carry an emergency roadside kit containing items such as a fully charged mobile phone; blankets/sleeping bags; flashlight with extra batteries; first-aid kit; knife; drinking water; high-calorie non-perishable food; extra clothing; waterproof matches; sack of sand, cat litter, or traction mats; shovel; windshield scraper and brush; tool kit; tow rope; booster cables; compass and road maps; and emergency flares or reflectors.

If stranded in the snow with no help in sight, drivers should not spin the tires as this will only dig the vehicle deeper into the snow.

Clear away as much snow as possible from around the tires, under the vehicle and near the vehicle exhaust pipe.

Improve traction by scattering sand, cat litter or some other abrasive material around the front tires for front-wheel drive cars, and around the rear tires for rear-wheel drive cars.

Special traction mats are available for this purpose or vehicle floor mats may work in a pinch.

Place the car in low gear (automatic transmissions) or second gear (manual transmissions) and apply gentle pressure to the accelerator. Ease off if the tires begin to spin.

If still unable to free the vehicle, try slowly rocking the car. Ease forward with the car in low gear (automatic transmissions) or second gear (manual transmissions).

When the car will no longer go forward, release the accelerator to allow the car to roll back.

When the vehicle stops its backward motion, apply minimum pressure on the accelerator again. Repeat these actions in rapid succession until the vehicle rolls free.

CAUTION: do not rock the vehicle for prolonged periods as serious damage to the automatic transmission or clutch may occur.

If others are available to help, have them push to assist the car's rocking motion.

People pushing the vehicle should not stand directly behind the wheels because of the risks from flying gravel, sand and ice.

Also, they should be aware of their physical limitations. Footing can be hazardous, and overexertion can be especially dangerous in cold weather.

If the vehicle cannot be freed, set up reflectors, flares or other signal devices as soon as possible to alert passing motorists.

If running the engine for warmth, make sure snow does not block the exhaust pipe. That could cause dangerous fumes to backup inside the car.

If you can leave your vehicle and reach shelter safely, contact your local AAA auto club for assistance.

Motorists looking to prepare their vehicle for winter can locate a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility staffed with certified technicians by visiting the automotive page at www.AAA.com.

Motorists needing roadside assistance may call AAA anywhere in North America, 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP (4357) by or logging on to www.AAA.com.

Tonight: Rain and freezing rain developing after midnight. Lows around 30 to 35. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph.

Thursday: Rain with local freezing rain in the morning...then showers likely in the afternoon. Highs 40 to 45. Southwest wind 10 to 20 mph decreasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday night: Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows around 35. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday: Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers in the morning.then partly sunny. Highs 40 to 45 light wind.