Salem-News.com Weather articles Page 5

Oregon Rains May Cause Downed Trees and Landslides

With heavy rain returning, be alert for landslides across western Oregon

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - With flood watches now in effect for most of western Oregon, be alert for landslides.

"As we've seen in the past few days, heavy rain can trigger landslides," says Ali Ryan Hansen, communications director for the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI).

President Declares Disaster for Dec. 14-17 Storms in Oregon

Damages from the winter storms from the past few weeks are also being assessed to see if more federal assistance is warranted.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Governor Kate Brown's request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration is officially approved for the severe winter storm and flooding that occurred from Dec. 14-17.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by a severe storm and flooding in Josephine and Lane counties.

Severe Weather Continues Across Oregon

Freezing rain, ice, high winds and blowing snow create blizzard-like conditions in the Columbia River Gorge

(SALEM, Ore.) - Interstate 84 is closed between Troutdale and Hood River due to ice; the highway is also closed between Pendleton to Ontario as blowing snow creates blizzard-like conditions. OEM and the Oregon Department of Transportation urges motorists to stay off the roads.

As severe weather continues to rage across the state, Oregon's Office of Emergency Management activated the state Emergency Coordination Center (ECC).

Heavy Snow Falling in Portland and the Valley Floor

A complex low pressure system is bringing another round of snow to the Willamette Valley.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - A Winter Storm Warning for Heavy Snow is in effect until 1 p.m. Wednesday, issued by the National Weather Service.

Snow levels are down to the valley floor. 2-6 inches of snow is expected to accumulate, with heavier amounts to fall across the higher elevations on the west side of the valley.

Winter Storm Watch for Willamette Valley this Weekend

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for snow and freezing rain.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday morning through Sunday morning for the Central Willamette Valley including the Salem metro area.

The storm is expected to bring significant impacts of snow and freezing rain across much of northwest Oregon and southwest Washington, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

UPDATED: Landslide Closes Hwy 20 West of Toledo

UPDATE: Corvallis-Newport Highway is now expected to remain closed near Toledo until midday tomorrow (Friday).

(TOLEDO, Ore.) - A landslide has closed U.S. 20 one mile west of Toledo at milepost 5.5.

The Corvallis-Newport Highway remains closed and is expected to stay that way until at least into the evening as the slide involves approximately 4000 yards of material and at least 60 trees.

I-5 Southbound Closed for the Night at Ashland

Stay off the roads if at all possible.

(ASHLAND, Ore.) - ODOT: SW Oregon: I-5 SB @ MP 11: The interstate into California is closed for the night at Ashland.

After a conference call, Caltrans officials determined weather conditions are too severe to reopen the interstate between Redding and Ashland. Another call scheduled at 4 a.m.

A Winter White New Year is in the Making

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The Winter Weather Advisory for snow remains in effect from midnight tonight to 6 a.m. Monday for the central and southern Willamette Valley.

This includes the cities of Salem, McMinnville, Eugene, Springfield, Corvallis, Albany, Lebanon, and those in the surrounding areas.

Nighttime Salem Warming Center To be Activated Sunday

Volunteers Needed!

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Community Action Agency will activate a Warming Center Sunday, January 1 at: 625 Marion Street NE.

The Warming Center will be activated for four consecutive nights from Sunday, January 1 through Wednesday, January 4. The center will be open each night from 8:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. the next morning. Warm liquids (decaf coffee, tea, and bullion) will be served on site.

Willamette Valley Wintery Forecast

Expect a switch to all snow by mid-morning on Sunday

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Very cold air will move into the region late Saturday night through next week. Rain will begin at low elevations Saturday afternoon, before changing over to snow early Sunday morning. Above 2,000 feet, this moisture will fall as all snow.

Cold air will remain in place through much of next week, but it is expected to remain dry from Monday through at least Wednesday across the region.