Salem-News.com Weather articles Page 41

Spiking Energy Costs Trigger More Federal Assistance

Oregon to receive $6 million in addition to the $45 million recently announced.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Rising home-heating costs putting low-income Oregonians in peril have triggered release of more than $6 million in additional federal LIHEAP funds.

Snow and Ice Temporarily Close Santiam Pass

The Santiam Pass is the scene of numerous crashes each year and they often involve fatalities. Oregon State Police say it is imperative that drivers remain sober and alert and always reduce speed in dangerous conditions.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon State Police say drivers headed east out of the Willamette Valley need to be aware of snow and ice in higher elevations. State troopers report that Santiam Pass is closed temporarily due snow and slick conditions.

They also report that a number of cars and semi trucks on the pass are having traction problems.

Motorists heading east need to plan for the possibly hazardous road conditions and delays and check the Salem-News.com Road Conditions Report and also visit ODOT's Website: tripcheck.com.

Expect Wind, Rain and Temperature Drop from West Coast Storm

Satellite images show a large plume of moisture streaming into the West Coast. Rain and wind will intensify through the day from northern California to the lower mainland of British Columbia, with winds gusting as high as 60 mph in coastal areas along with rain and strong surf.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The powerful Pacific storm moving into the Pacific Northwest today will not only bring dramatic changes to the West, it will influence the weather across the country through early next week, according to AccuWeather.com.

A weak storm system moved into the Northwest on Thursday, setting the stage for the second, more powerful storm arriving today. On Saturday, the precipitation fans out across the Intermountain West.

Oregonians Deploy for Tropical Storm Gustav

The death toll from Gustav is already up to 23 in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Though Tropical Storm Gustav isn't projected to make landfall along the Gulf Coast until the end of Labor Day weekend, the American Red Cross is preparing for the anticipated hurricane by deploying volunteers and staging supplies in key communities.

Six volunteers from the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross will leave for Baton Rouge, LA today to assist with setting up shelters for residents as needed.

Incoming Storm Bears Strong Likeness to Winter Weather System

An unseasonably strong weather system is moving over southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon beginning this afternoon.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - In stark contrast to the record-setting summer temperatures of last week, dark clouds are coming, if they haven't arrived in your neck of the woods.

According to the NOAA, the unusually strong weather front will produce relatively gusty winds along the Oregon Coast with gusts at their strongest late this evening.

Wind will likely gust in the 40 to 50 mph range near coastal headlands at the peak of the storm. Coastal communities will experience winds peaking around 30 mph.

Oregon Fires Delay Drivers in Eastern Oregon

Expect Delays on U.S. Hwy. 395 in eastern Oregon due to fire

(SALEM, Ore.) - ODOT reports that a fire along Camas Creek in southwestern Umatilla County is creating delays for travelers on U.S. Highway 395 between Ukiah and Dale, 50 miles south of Pendleton.

Oregon Department of Transportation crews are piloting traffic through the area between mile points 50 and 60, but may need to close the highway if the fire poses a further danger.

Portlanders Cool Down With Extended Wading Pool Hours

The city of roses is helping the public find a cool summer breeze with these helpful suggestions.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Portlanders can find relief from temperatures over 100 degrees today and tomorrow by taking refuge in their city's parks and pools. From a shady walk in Forest Park to a picnic dinner under the trees in your neighborhood park, from a dip in a community pool to a splash in a spray fountain, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) offers many free or inexpensive opportunities to escape from the heat.

To help the public beat the summer heat, in addition to PP&R's twelve community pools, there are extended hours at wading pools for young children, as well as free spray features in the city's parks to help children have a safe and cool summer.

Oregon`s Busiest Emergency Room Offers Heat-Safety Tips

Heat related illness can cause serious problems.
You can reduce your chance of feeling tired or becoming seriously ill with a few simple steps.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The staff and physicians of Salem Hospital's emergency department want area residents to stay healthy and safe during this record-breaking heat wave. They offer these tips to help you, your children, and even your parents, stay safe, and what to do if you have problems in the heat.

Stay well hydrated:
Aim for two to three quarts of fluid per day (non-caffeinated).
Water is good, but don't limit your intake to just water. You also need electrolytes, which you can get from a variety of sports drinks.
If you're thirsty, you've waited too long.

Heat Fuels Yosemite, California Fire

2,000 residents could be forced to evacuate homes threatened by the fire that as of Sunday was 0% contained.

(YOSEMITE, Calif.) - Forecasters say blistering heat in the West is fueling a massive wildfire in Yosemite National Park. By Tuesday, a new Pacific system moving into British Columbia will ease the heat in the Northwest, according to AccuWeather.com.

Cal Fire reports the Telegraph Fire has burned over 18,000 acres near Yosemite National Park since it began on Friday. The flames have destroyed at least one dozen homes and 27 other buildings.

Western Heavy Rain, Dry Lightning Risk (VIDEO)

Prolonged exposure to the extreme heat could result in potentially deadly heat stroke or dangerous heat exhaustion.

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) - Forecasters at AccuWeather.com, say they are monitoring two areas of thunderstorms across the West over the next day or two that have potential to create new wildfires over California. Temperatures in the central valley and the high desert today will soar above 110 degrees, with highs in the 80s and 90s spreading east to the western Plains and north into western Canada.

Storms associated with the Southwest monsoon will bring drenching rainfall to portions of New Mexico and Arizona through Thursday. The rainfall will be enhanced by a southeasterly flow off the Gulf of Mexico. Where thunderstorms are persistent and slow-moving, flash flooding can occur.

While some of this moisture will not make it over the Sierra Madre Oriental, there is copious moisture flowing from this direction, as evidenced by the very heavy rainfall in recent days across South Texas and eastern Mexico.