Salem-News.com Weather articles Page 53

Pacific Storms Continue to Pound the Northwest (VIDEO)

Snow Predicted in the Mountains of Washington and California

(State College, Pa.) - A seemingly never-ending train of Pacific storms will continue to roll through the Northwest this weekend, with rain and heavy mountain snow forecast through Sunday.

Rain will fall today in coastal areas west of the Cascades, while snow will fall in the mountains of Washington and California. Several inches of snow could fall today in the foothills around Seattle.

Information Released in Highway 6 Closure Incident

Police troopers reported that Highway 6 was reopened about 3:00 PM.

(BANKS, ORE.) - Highway 6 reopened Thursday afternoon following a closure that lasted nearly four hours due to a series of non-injury crashes that police blame on poor highway conditions. Police say today around 10:30 AM, a tow truck was removing a commercial vehicle that had lost control and struck a guardrail on Highway 6 near milepost 34.

A bus occupied by its driver and 8 passengers, was attempting to pass a second commercial truck that was chaining up when it slid into it. At least two other commercial trucks approaching the area reportedly jackknifed blocking the highway further.

Highway 6 Near Banks Reopens After Crash

Oregon State Police say snow plows are at work right now.

(BANKS, Ore.) - Oregon State Police report that traffic is beginning to move again on Highway 6 west of Banks after a crash involving large vehicles.

Highway 6 near milepost 34 came to a stop following a non-injury crash involving a bus and commercial truck. Police reported earlier that there were no injuries reported from the crash. They had no additional information on the crash scene.

Eastern Oregon Prepares for Blizzard

Severe Winter Weather Expected in Grande Ronde Valley Tonight and Tomorrow.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for 6:00 PM this evening through 6:00 PM Friday for the Grande Ronde Valley including the cities of La Grande, Elgin and Union.

The Oregon Department of Transportation advises drivers to prepare accordingly and avoid traveling during the storm. High winds and blowing snow may cause white-out conditions. Drivers should expect chain requirements in mountain passes.

Windy and Snowy Conditions Make Driving Treacherous in Areas of Oregon and Washington

The winds will continue today before winding down tonight as the high pressure begins to move to the east.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Cold air in place over the Northwest today will bring snow to coastal areas of Washington and Oregon, while the Santa Ana winds in Southern California begin to ease.

The mix of the cold air and the latest Pacific storm moving onshore today will produce snow west of the Cascades, including Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon.

Preliminary Post-Christmas Holiday Statistics Show Fewer Fatalities Than Last Year

State Police and other agencies are Preparing for New Year's Holiday Period

(SALEM, Ore.) - Traffic fatalities were down during this year's Christmas holiday period on Oregon highways. Oregon State Police, county sheriff departments, city police agencies and ODOT are preparing for the upcoming extended New Year's holiday weekend.

Preliminary information indicates between 6:00 PM, Friday, December 21st, and 11:59 PM, Tuesday, December 25th, two people were killed in two separate fatal traffic crashes over the 102-hour holiday period.

Is there Magic in Oregon`s Christmas Snow?

Christmas snow fell across much of Western Oregon and for some, it is a sign of better things to come.

(SALEM, Ore.) - What were the odds that the ground would be blanketed with snowflakes on Christmas day? Many Willamette Valley children awoke to see it floating down from the winter sky just in time to open their presents yesterday, what a special treat! Of all things that underscore the holiday tradition, snow certainly makes a winter holiday brighter.

You see, many people believe that a snowy Christmas morning is a good sign for the future, an indicator of better things to come. Some say it is "magic snow" and if there is magic, then it surely would be good for this troubled world we live in.

Brief Break in Storms with More Rain and Snow to Come

In Oregon, another strong front will push across the coastal waters late tonight and early Wednesday With main low pressure tracking into Vancouver Island during the day Wednesday.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Pacific storm slamming the West Coast today will be followed by a brief period of nice weather before the next storm arrives on Friday, weather experts say, but the train of storms is expected to continue through at least Christmas Day.

Today's storm will bring rain as far south as Southern California and heavy snow to the Cascades, Sierra and the mountains of Southern California. Tonight, the storm will begin to dissipate as it moves into Canada.

Washington County Storm Damage Estimated at $5.7 Million

Highlights from the storm's impact included $4.4 million for roadways and bridges in the western portion of the county.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Emergency managers in Washington County estimate that the recent storm and flood means at least $5.7 million in expenses due to damaged roads and bridges, hours spent removing debris and other actions taken to protect the public.

The estimate was part of an initial damage assessment of publicly owned and certain non-profit facilities and response hours sent to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Disaster Aid Expanded to Include More Oregon Counties

A declaration expands eligibility in seven Oregon Counties.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregon Emergency Management and the FEMA announced that individuals in Yamhill and Polk counties are now eligible to apply for federal individual disaster assistance.

The residents of five Oregon counties are eligible for individual assistance for the effects of the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides which began on December 1st.