Salem-News.com Weather articles Page 29

Police Warning Regarding Weather-related Crashes

ODOT and OSP urge travelers to know before you go and monitor your local weather forecasts and road conditions.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Oregon State Police responded to well over 100 traffic crashes since midnight throughout Oregon with the busiest areas being southern Oregon and the lower Willamette Valley.

Police are asking drivers to slow down and stay alive. Maintaining lower speeds greatly increases your chance of staying alive if you do crash. Make sure people know where you are traveling. See Weather Emergencies in Oregon and SW Washington for more driving and traveling tips.

Oregon Winter Weather Closures & Delays

This ongoing update will first reflect the time of the release, followed by the school/business closure update.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Here's the latest:

11:00 a.m. Public Colleges & Universities: Portland Community College: Due to icy conditions, all events and classes, including finals, beginning at 1 p.m. or later today, are cancelled at Portland Community College's Sylvania campus. This notice is for Sylvania campus only.

Organizations: American Red Cross - Oregon Trail Chapter: Warming Center Stats for 12/11: 127 guests; 7 pets. Open again TONIGHT at Portland Foursquare Church, 1303 SE Ankeny.

Oregon Winter Road Hazards & Closure Updates

This ongoing update will first reflect the time of the release, followed by the emergency information.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Here's the latest from ODOT/OSP:

11:45 a.m. ODOT/Willamette Valley, No. Coast: OR 34 is no longer closed from mile post 0 to mile post 55. ODOT crews still report icy conditions on OR 34 between Waldport and Philomath.

11:15 a.m. ODOT/Willamette Valley, No. Coast: The northbound I-5 ramp at the OR34 interchange, near Corvallis, is no longer closed.

Weather Emergencies in Oregon and SW Washington

Weather related closures and issues in the Pacific Northwest.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Residents in Oregon and the entire Pacific NW are seeing some of the coldest winter temperatures of the year so far, with some areas receiving snow and nearly every region experiencing frost and ice.

State, city and county officials are doing their best to stay abreast of developments. PGE dispatched a list of items to have on standby and other tips to help you make it through the cold.

Snow and Ice Alert for Weekend Travelers

"Essential equipment for property owners is a snow shovel, de-icing granules – available at home improvement stores, and traction devices" - Mayor Sam Adams

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The Portland Bureau of Transportation is marshaling equipment and extending work shifts to prepare for winter weather that national and local forecasts say could bring a significant amount of snow and freezing rain to the Portland metro region.

The public is advised that travel hazards in these conditions could include icy streets and downed trees, branches, and power lines.

AAA Offers Tips for Cold Weather Driving

Slow down on snow and ice covered roads; know what type of braking system you have and how to apply brakes properly (for example, don't bump anti-lock brakes); make gentle stops and starts to prevent skids.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - A wintry mix of snow, sleet and/or freezing rain is forecast down to the Willamette Valley floor for tonight and tomorrow, so AAA Oregon/Idaho warns drivers to be prepared for winter driving conditions.

Drivers should make sure cars are prepared for winter weather, to cope with colder temperatures and hazardous road conditions, and take it easy behind the wheel.

Frozen Pipe Calls Keep Firefighters Busy

Hillsboro Fire and Rescue offers tips for residents who want to avoid frozen water pipes.

(HILLSBORO, Ore.) - Fire officials in Hillsboro say a flurry of broken water pipes in homes and businesses frozen by the week's surprisingly cold temperatures, prompted citizens to call firefighters for help.

Storm Smith with Hillsboro Fire, says once the temperatures rose near 32-degrees on Tuesday and the broken pipes began thawing, firefighters began responding to calls for assistance.

Crews Battle Four More House Fires in Portland

Includes safety tips to keep you and your family alive this winter.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Portland Fire and Rescue has responded to 4 other house fires since the early morning fire at SE 81st and Taylor. 3 of the 4 fires are related to the cold weather, according to the agency's spokesman, Lt. Dave Centers.

"All fires were a single alarm which brings 4 Engines, 1 Truck, 1 Rescue, 2 Chiefs, and 2 Investigators. Due to the extreme weather a Rehab Unit was called for on each fire. 27 to 30 Firefighters responded on each the 4 fires. At this time no injuries were reported at any of the fires."

Will the Weather Hold Out for the Geminid Meteor Shower?

First appearing in the 1860s it has steadily increased and with more than 130 per hour observed in 2008. It wasn't until 1983 that 3200 Phaethon was discovered and later attributed as the source of the meteor shower.

(Salem, Ore.) - The Geminid meteor shower will peak December 14th and 15th (Sunday 9:10 p.m. PST). The Moon will be close to a new Moon which will help keep skies dark for a good display.

Unfortunately the clear cold weather is expected to be gone, replaced by cold and wet.

Oregon and SW Washington Weather Closures and Alerts

So far the reports are few, we will keep you updated, this information includes Red Cross tips for making it through cold winter conditions.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Any time the weather turns dangerous outside, our staff kicks into high gear, prepared to bring you the latest information on closures of everything from schools and government buildings, to private industry, higher education, and all types of transportation routes.

Additionally, this report contains a number of important tips that will help families retain a higher level of comfort while raising the safety level during the bitter, cold days ahead.