Salem-News.com Weather articles Page 31

Major Travel Delays, Flooding Threaten San Francisco to Los Angeles

Conditions improve across California Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night as the rain tapers off and winds diminish.

(SAN FRANCISCO) - Forecasters say after facing raging wildfires that threatened their homes late this summer, some California residents are now dealing with the threat of devastating flooding, mudslides and debris flows.

A major storm system bearing down on the West Coast will continue unleashing torrential rainfall and producing tropical storm-force winds across California. In addition to flooding and mudslides, the rain and wind will also lead to mounting airport delays, disrupted traffic and potential power outages.

Experts Say Winds and Dry Conditions Fuel Fire Conditions

Wildland fire agencies are not at full strength in the fall, since some of the seasonal firefighters have returned to their regular jobs or college classes. A larger fire this time of year would stretch resources thin.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Fire experts say easterly winds could elevate the risk of wildfire in northwestern Oregon forests this weekend. Foresters caution hunters and other outdoor recreationists heading afield to be mindful of activities that could start a wildfire.

"The forecast is for gusty winds," Oregon Department of Forestry's Neal Laugle said.

UN Mobilizes Relief Efforts After Deadly Tsunami Strikes South Pacific (VIDEO)

Food shortages are expected to occur in both Samoa and Tonga.

(AMERICAN SAMOA) - United Nations aid agencies are working with authorities across the South Pacific to help coordinate relief efforts in the wake of a tsunami that has struck Samoa, American Samoa and an island in northern Tonga, killing dozens of people, swamping towns and villages, and damaging vital infrastructure.

At least 62 people are confirmed to have died in Samoa, while six others are dead on the Tongan island of Niuatoputapu, according to information provided to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). In Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa, there are unconfirmed reports of 19 fatalities.

Deadly Indonesian Earthquakes Leave 75 Dead and Thousands Trapped

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon offered his condolences to the victims of the quake and their families, and said he was closely following reports of the impact of the disaster.

(SUMATRA) - Devastating back-to-back earthquakes have rocked the Indonesian island of Sumatra today, killing at least 75 people and leaving thousands trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings, the United Nations humanitarian wing has reported.

A powerful 7.9-magnitude tremor, originating from the same fault-line that produced the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, struck near the city of Padang at 5:16 pm local time, and was followed by a quake measuring 6.2 about 22 minutes later.

Canal Creek Fire Slows, Weather Increases Hope for Firefighters

Wet weather and the combined aggressive efforts of fire crews on the ground, raise chances of the fire being under control soon.

(DETROIT, Ore.) - The Canal Creek fire has now been held to 283 acres for a few days and is at 90% containment as of Saturday morning.

Many of the area road closures have now been lifted. The Quartzville Road is now completely open and accessible from Sweet Home to Highway 22.

Beneficial Higher Humidity Comes to Southern California

Poor air quality has led to some schools being closed and the postponement of some outdoor sporting events.

(LOS ANGELES) - AccuWeather.com reports an increasing marine influence will continue to aid firefighters battling Los Angeles County's largest fire on record, as well as others in Southern California.

Wildfire Still a Threat as Labor Day Approaches

The forecast of possible rain this weekend is welcome news, but it is unlikely to lower wildfire danger significantly.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Crisp mornings and cool evenings foretell the arrival of fall. But wildfire danger lingers during this seasonal transition. Forest fuels both large and small, from trees to grasses, remain dry and prone to burn at the smallest spark.

Current weather and fuel models rate southwestern and central Oregon at extreme potential for wildfire, with the northeastern region of the state solidly in the high range.

Dry Terrain Boosts Monstrous Growth of California Wildfires

The smoke plume from the fire has been able to surge over 20,000 feet high.

(LOS ANGELES) - Though extreme heat and low humidity have been playing a role, it has largely been excessive drought and steep terrain that have allowed the Station fire burning north of Los Angeles to spread so rapidly without Santa Ana winds.

The fire has exploded from covering 5,500 acres Friday to over 100,000 acres of the Angeles National Forest by the end of the day Monday.

Some Like It Hot - But Not in Oregon (AUDIO)

New Report Details Extreme Heat Waves, Consequences in U.S.

(PORTLAND, Ore. ONS) - One month ago, Oregon was boiling, with high temperatures that topped 108 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas.

The 2009 Oregon State Fair is a BIG Deal!

Low ticket prices, daily discounts, free shows and more make Oregon’s biggest event truly affordable.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregonians looking for big entertainment for little money need to look no further than Salem and the Oregon State Fair. For 11 days, the Fair is one of the best deals around, providing hours…and days…of entertainment at low prices.

This year, the Fair is introducing new discounts to make the fun even more affordable.