CORVALLIS/EUGENE, Ore. -- Many Duck fans in Eugene won't have to do too much driving because the game is at Autzen. Yet for Beaver fans coming down from Corvallis, the real challenge isn't the game but the drive.
With a sold-out Autzen Stadium, ODOT says they're expecting an extra 12,000-15,000 vehicles on Interstate 5. So, law enforcement agencies like Oregon State Police will patrol the highways that lead to the Civil War. They say the extra traffic means more chances for disaster.
Officials are urging traveling fans to start their trip early, have a designated driver, and know their limits. Yet some veteran Beaver believers have their own secret routes, but they're not telling where they are. Many of the Beaver fans we spoke with say they may head down to Eugene Wednesday and stay at a hotel. Others say they'll spend the night Thursday so they can celebrate.
ODOT wants game day travelers to be aware of a couple roadway changes that will affect traffic:
* Pioneer Parkway exit of Interstate 105 will be closed for an hour after the game to help control Springfield area traffic. A variable message sign will be posted at the exit and in other locations to advise drivers of potential problems or travel changes.
* Construction on the new Willamette River Bridge replacement has led to a closure of the Franklin Boulevard on-ramp to southbound Interstate 5. The detour will be signed but it will affect fans leaving Eugene for points south.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Red Cross gift ideas
A warm blanket and a hot meal after a devastating disaster. A phone card for a soldier to hear the voices of family and friends. Vaccines to protect our world's children. These items make a huge difference, but come with a small price tag. Starting at just $6 for a blanket, you can give a gift that saves the day this holiday season.
www.oregonredcross.org/gifts
The gift you make could give someone shelter after their house has burned down. It could provide a "comfort kit" with robe and toiletries for a wounded warrior. It could even provide survival supplies and clean water for a family after a typhoon or other international disaster.
After you've made your choice, you can select an e-card to send to your loved one. You'll also receive a complimentary print card by mail, which you can personalize with a message about the gift you have given in their honor.
Wreaths wither. Sweaters go out of style. But honoring your loved ones by sending a Red Cross gift in their name is the perfect way to share the meaning of the season…and give someone hope when they need it most.
www.oregonredcross.org/gifts
www.oregonredcross.org/gifts
The gift you make could give someone shelter after their house has burned down. It could provide a "comfort kit" with robe and toiletries for a wounded warrior. It could even provide survival supplies and clean water for a family after a typhoon or other international disaster.
After you've made your choice, you can select an e-card to send to your loved one. You'll also receive a complimentary print card by mail, which you can personalize with a message about the gift you have given in their honor.
Wreaths wither. Sweaters go out of style. But honoring your loved ones by sending a Red Cross gift in their name is the perfect way to share the meaning of the season…and give someone hope when they need it most.
www.oregonredcross.org/gifts
Monday, November 30, 2009
HURRICANE SEASON OFFICIALLY ENDS – ADMINISTRATOR FUGATE URGES VIGILANCE
WASHINGTON – Today, November 30, 2009, marks the official end of the 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season and with that, the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate reminds citizens to remain vigilant and stay prepared. Disasters are not limited to hurricanes or a specific time of year – they can occur anytime, anywhere.
“I can never remind people enough to stay prepared for potential disasters. We must never let our guard down. I am thankful for a quieter than usual hurricane season, but the fact remains disasters may occur at any time and without warning, said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “As we head into the winter season, we must all remain vigilant and remember to take the time to prepare ourselves and our families. Assemble a kit, have a family disaster plan and stay informed during disasters.”
Winter weather, increased holiday traveling, and holiday fire safety are opportunities to focus on personal preparedness. Gather a preparedness kit including a 3-day supply of food and water, blankets, and first-aid kit for both your home and car. Ensure your family preparedness plan and contacts are up to date and exercise your plan. Finally, learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government.
“I can never remind people enough to stay prepared for potential disasters. We must never let our guard down. I am thankful for a quieter than usual hurricane season, but the fact remains disasters may occur at any time and without warning, said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “As we head into the winter season, we must all remain vigilant and remember to take the time to prepare ourselves and our families. Assemble a kit, have a family disaster plan and stay informed during disasters.”
Winter weather, increased holiday traveling, and holiday fire safety are opportunities to focus on personal preparedness. Gather a preparedness kit including a 3-day supply of food and water, blankets, and first-aid kit for both your home and car. Ensure your family preparedness plan and contacts are up to date and exercise your plan. Finally, learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government.
Civil War Game safety responsibility
With football fans in Oregon and around the country focusing on Eugene for the biggest ‘Civil War' football game in state history, police and transportation officials urge Thursday travelers to stay focused on their game day driving and stadium behavior.
According to ODOT, a sold-out Autzen Stadium puts an estimated 12,000 – 15,000 extra vehicles on Interstate 5. The extra traffic-related congestion affects travel time and increases the potential for traffic problems on the freeway system and secondary roads, including Highway 99W between Corvallis and Eugene.
Oregon State Police (OSP), Lane County Sheriff's Office and Eugene Police Department (EPD) have a game plan in place to handle traffic problems, including stopping aggressive and dangerous drivers on Interstate 5 and secondary roadways leading to and from Eugene and Autzen Stadium. ODOT and local transportation departments will work with police agencies to help keep traffic moving smoothly through the area.
"Leave early and be patient, pay attention to traffic conditions, and keep your emotions in check while driving and when at the game. Fasten your safety belt and have a sober, rested driver behind the wheel of your vehicle before and after the game," said OSP Superintendent Timothy McLain.
ODOT incident responders will be on the road, available to help throughout the day in the Eugene/Springfield area. ODOT wants game day travelers to be aware of a couple roadway changes that will affect traffic:
* Pioneer Parkway exit of Interstate 105 will be closed for an hour after the game to help control Springfield area traffic. A variable message sign will be posted at the exit and in other locations to advise drivers of potential problems or travel changes.
* Construction on the new Willamette River Bridge replacement has led to a closure of the Franklin Boulevard on-ramp to southbound Interstate 5. The detour will be signed but it will affect fans leaving Eugene for points south.
University of Oregon Department of Safety (UOPDS) leads law enforcement efforts inside Autzen Stadium, in conjunction with EPD and other agencies. UODPS Director Doug Tripp stresses that most game attendees conduct themselves appropriately; however, some fans make poor choices and have to be removed from the venue. On average, ninety (90) fans out of more than 59,000 are ejected for a variety of alcohol, conduct and ticket related violations.
"The safety of the players, coaches, officials and fans is our top priority for each game and we need everyone's cooperation to make it successful," said Tripp.
State, county and city police along with ODOT encourage reporting any possible intoxicated or dangerous driver by calling 9-1-1 or OSP dispatch at 800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865).
Up to the minute road condition updates are available on ODOT's travel information web site at www.Tripcheck.com or by calling 5-1-1. For anyone who cannot access 5-1-1, road and weather information can also be accessed toll-free within Oregon by dialing (800) 977-ODOT (6368). From outside Oregon, the long distance number, (503) 588-2941, remains available.
Previously released shuttle and parking information is provided in the link with this release and also available at www.GoDucks.com .
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
According to ODOT, a sold-out Autzen Stadium puts an estimated 12,000 – 15,000 extra vehicles on Interstate 5. The extra traffic-related congestion affects travel time and increases the potential for traffic problems on the freeway system and secondary roads, including Highway 99W between Corvallis and Eugene.
Oregon State Police (OSP), Lane County Sheriff's Office and Eugene Police Department (EPD) have a game plan in place to handle traffic problems, including stopping aggressive and dangerous drivers on Interstate 5 and secondary roadways leading to and from Eugene and Autzen Stadium. ODOT and local transportation departments will work with police agencies to help keep traffic moving smoothly through the area.
"Leave early and be patient, pay attention to traffic conditions, and keep your emotions in check while driving and when at the game. Fasten your safety belt and have a sober, rested driver behind the wheel of your vehicle before and after the game," said OSP Superintendent Timothy McLain.
ODOT incident responders will be on the road, available to help throughout the day in the Eugene/Springfield area. ODOT wants game day travelers to be aware of a couple roadway changes that will affect traffic:
* Pioneer Parkway exit of Interstate 105 will be closed for an hour after the game to help control Springfield area traffic. A variable message sign will be posted at the exit and in other locations to advise drivers of potential problems or travel changes.
* Construction on the new Willamette River Bridge replacement has led to a closure of the Franklin Boulevard on-ramp to southbound Interstate 5. The detour will be signed but it will affect fans leaving Eugene for points south.
University of Oregon Department of Safety (UOPDS) leads law enforcement efforts inside Autzen Stadium, in conjunction with EPD and other agencies. UODPS Director Doug Tripp stresses that most game attendees conduct themselves appropriately; however, some fans make poor choices and have to be removed from the venue. On average, ninety (90) fans out of more than 59,000 are ejected for a variety of alcohol, conduct and ticket related violations.
"The safety of the players, coaches, officials and fans is our top priority for each game and we need everyone's cooperation to make it successful," said Tripp.
State, county and city police along with ODOT encourage reporting any possible intoxicated or dangerous driver by calling 9-1-1 or OSP dispatch at 800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865).
Up to the minute road condition updates are available on ODOT's travel information web site at www.Tripcheck.com or by calling 5-1-1. For anyone who cannot access 5-1-1, road and weather information can also be accessed toll-free within Oregon by dialing (800) 977-ODOT (6368). From outside Oregon, the long distance number, (503) 588-2941, remains available.
Previously released shuttle and parking information is provided in the link with this release and also available at www.GoDucks.com .
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
HURRICANE SEASON OFFICIALLY ENDS – ADMINISTRATOR FUGATE URGES VIGILANCE
WASHINGTON – Today, November 30, 2009, marks the official end of the 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season and with that, the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate reminds citizens to remain vigilant and stay prepared.
Disasters are not limited to hurricanes or a specific time of year – they can occur anytime, anywhere. “I can never remind people enough to stay prepared for potential disasters. We must never let our guard down. I am thankful for a quieter than usual hurricane season, but the fact remains disasters may occur at any time and without warning, said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “As we head into the winter season, we must all remain vigilant and remember to take the time to prepare ourselves and our families. Assemble a kit, have a family disaster plan and stay informed during disasters.”
Winter weather, increased holiday traveling, and holiday fire safety are opportunities to focus on personal preparedness. Gather a preparedness kit including a 3-day supply of food and water, blankets, and first-aid kit for both your home and car. Ensure your family preparedness plan and contacts are up to date and exercise your plan. Finally, learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government.
Disasters are not limited to hurricanes or a specific time of year – they can occur anytime, anywhere. “I can never remind people enough to stay prepared for potential disasters. We must never let our guard down. I am thankful for a quieter than usual hurricane season, but the fact remains disasters may occur at any time and without warning, said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “As we head into the winter season, we must all remain vigilant and remember to take the time to prepare ourselves and our families. Assemble a kit, have a family disaster plan and stay informed during disasters.”
Winter weather, increased holiday traveling, and holiday fire safety are opportunities to focus on personal preparedness. Gather a preparedness kit including a 3-day supply of food and water, blankets, and first-aid kit for both your home and car. Ensure your family preparedness plan and contacts are up to date and exercise your plan. Finally, learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Not Stormy for Thanksgiving Travels
Tuesday, 11:30 A.M. http://www.accuweather.com/mt-news-blogs.asp?partner=accuweather&blog=Lundberg&pgurl=/mtweb/content/Lundberg/archives/2009/11/not_stormy_for.asp
Anyway, the main message for today and tomorrow is one of no major storms coast to coast, and border to border. Oh, there will be some places where the travel will be a little dicey tomorrow, but in terms of large-scale storms that will have a significant disruptive impact on travelers, there won't be any.
Let's look at the problem spots one by one, starting first in the Northwest. A storm heading across the northeast Pacific will head for northern British Columbia tomorrow, dragging a cold front, weak at that, toward western Washington and northwest Oregon in the afternoon. The result will be some rain, with some locations getting an inch or two of rain, mainly over the Olympics. There won't be the wind with this storm that we've seen in recent events, either. Snow levels will be high, so I suspect getting over the passes shouldn't be too difficult tomorrow afternoon. Once east of the Cascades, it will be dry, and very little moisture will even reach northwest Oregon until Thanksgiving afternoon when a second system will break off from the main flow of the jet stream and take direct aim at the state.
Another area of potentially bad weather will be the Midwest tomorrow, as a slow-moving storm coming out of southern Iowa this afternoon will send some rain out of Wisconsin into Michigan, though the rain won't be all that heavy. If there's any real travel problems, it would be in the colder air on the back side of the storm. A second upper level disturbance digging southeastward from Montana this afternoon and tonight will invigorate this whole storm and cool the column to the point where snow can make it to the ground across parts of western Wisconsin, eastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, and northwest Illinois, especially tomorrow afternoon and early tomorrow night. Even here, though, it would be a sloppy, wet snow that at best would amount to a few inches. In most cases, it would be a coating to an inch or two, enough to cause some headaches and make for great snowmen. Otherwise, it's not going to affect a very big area.
Farther downstream, the weather from the eastern Lakes and across the Appalachians into New England and the mid-Atlantic states will just be gloomy, as in little to no sun. The low level moisture that has invaded the region will have no escape hatch without much wind and a fresh air mass to replace it. Look for some drizzle and fog to be your biggest weather adversary in these areas, with a little rain in some areas thrown in for good measure. Bleak and boring, but it could be much, much worse.
The final area will be Florida, especially the central and southern counties of the state. There's a ton of activity right now bursting across the Gulf of Mexico, and an upper level disturbance will help drive this all across the sunshine state tonight and tomorrow in conjunction with a developing surface storm. Some of this will also graze the coast of Georgia and the coastal Carolinas.
Aside from that, the weather will be benign across most of the country, and that's good for those who are planning trips of any distance, especially from the nations' major airports.
This Gulf storm development will not be done once crossing Florida tomorrow afternoon. As it develops further Wednesday night and Thursday off the Southeast coast, it will threaten parts of the Northeast with a more significant precipitation event sometime later on Thanksgiving into Friday, though I suspect that most will be disappointed at the outcome.
More upstream energy digging in from Midwest into the Great Lakes Wednesday and Thursday will help to deepen the storm as it heads by Cape Cod and heads for the Gulf of Maine. In the absence of any real overrunning surface, it will be tough to throw Atlantic moisture back over a non-existent cold dome over New England. Therefore, I'd have to believe most of New England will be too warm on the front side of this storm to get anything other than rain. About the only way it can snow as I see it is as the cold air collapses into the back side of the storm that you get fitful bursts of precipitation across western New England into the Adirondacks that could easily change to wet snow late Thursday night and Friday morning before going away in the afternoon.
There will be some lake effect snow around the Lakes Thursday into Friday, even though the air really won't be arctic in nature. It'll simply be cold enough so that some of the preferred areas pick up several inches of snow. And in most cases, this will be the first meaningful snow event of the season around the lakes!
A quick check of the longer range forecast suggests this cold that comes through the pattern with this developing trough will come and go. In other words, the moderating process will begin on the Plains Friday, spread across the Mississippi into the Midwest Saturday, and then filter into the Northeast in reduced fashion for Sunday and the early part of next week.
Still another storm will come out of the southern branch of the jet to open up next week, but it really looks as if the upper level trough to accompany this will be a little farther west, thanks in large part to blocking downstream that isn't over Greenland, but rather WEST of Greenland. In turn, that is likely to turn that storm toward the Great Lakes over time, and keep any snow associated with it to the north and west of the storm track, none of which should impact the northern Rockies and northern Plains, or maybe even much of the Midwest.
The cold that follows this trough will be more destined for the southern tier of states, not the Northeast, where it just may stay warmer than normal through most of next week. After that, THEN maybe some arctic air will truly get involved in the picture, but in deference to the NAEFS and the European Weekly Climate Forecasts from last Thursday night, my hunch is this will be centered on the Rockies and Plains, not the East, at least initially. Now, if the block were farther east over Greenland, then the cold might be centered along or east of the Mississippi, but that doesn't appear to be the case. More on that line of thinking tomorrow. For now, my son is already waiting - time to run!
Anyway, the main message for today and tomorrow is one of no major storms coast to coast, and border to border. Oh, there will be some places where the travel will be a little dicey tomorrow, but in terms of large-scale storms that will have a significant disruptive impact on travelers, there won't be any.
Let's look at the problem spots one by one, starting first in the Northwest. A storm heading across the northeast Pacific will head for northern British Columbia tomorrow, dragging a cold front, weak at that, toward western Washington and northwest Oregon in the afternoon. The result will be some rain, with some locations getting an inch or two of rain, mainly over the Olympics. There won't be the wind with this storm that we've seen in recent events, either. Snow levels will be high, so I suspect getting over the passes shouldn't be too difficult tomorrow afternoon. Once east of the Cascades, it will be dry, and very little moisture will even reach northwest Oregon until Thanksgiving afternoon when a second system will break off from the main flow of the jet stream and take direct aim at the state.
Another area of potentially bad weather will be the Midwest tomorrow, as a slow-moving storm coming out of southern Iowa this afternoon will send some rain out of Wisconsin into Michigan, though the rain won't be all that heavy. If there's any real travel problems, it would be in the colder air on the back side of the storm. A second upper level disturbance digging southeastward from Montana this afternoon and tonight will invigorate this whole storm and cool the column to the point where snow can make it to the ground across parts of western Wisconsin, eastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, and northwest Illinois, especially tomorrow afternoon and early tomorrow night. Even here, though, it would be a sloppy, wet snow that at best would amount to a few inches. In most cases, it would be a coating to an inch or two, enough to cause some headaches and make for great snowmen. Otherwise, it's not going to affect a very big area.
Farther downstream, the weather from the eastern Lakes and across the Appalachians into New England and the mid-Atlantic states will just be gloomy, as in little to no sun. The low level moisture that has invaded the region will have no escape hatch without much wind and a fresh air mass to replace it. Look for some drizzle and fog to be your biggest weather adversary in these areas, with a little rain in some areas thrown in for good measure. Bleak and boring, but it could be much, much worse.
The final area will be Florida, especially the central and southern counties of the state. There's a ton of activity right now bursting across the Gulf of Mexico, and an upper level disturbance will help drive this all across the sunshine state tonight and tomorrow in conjunction with a developing surface storm. Some of this will also graze the coast of Georgia and the coastal Carolinas.
Aside from that, the weather will be benign across most of the country, and that's good for those who are planning trips of any distance, especially from the nations' major airports.
This Gulf storm development will not be done once crossing Florida tomorrow afternoon. As it develops further Wednesday night and Thursday off the Southeast coast, it will threaten parts of the Northeast with a more significant precipitation event sometime later on Thanksgiving into Friday, though I suspect that most will be disappointed at the outcome.
More upstream energy digging in from Midwest into the Great Lakes Wednesday and Thursday will help to deepen the storm as it heads by Cape Cod and heads for the Gulf of Maine. In the absence of any real overrunning surface, it will be tough to throw Atlantic moisture back over a non-existent cold dome over New England. Therefore, I'd have to believe most of New England will be too warm on the front side of this storm to get anything other than rain. About the only way it can snow as I see it is as the cold air collapses into the back side of the storm that you get fitful bursts of precipitation across western New England into the Adirondacks that could easily change to wet snow late Thursday night and Friday morning before going away in the afternoon.
There will be some lake effect snow around the Lakes Thursday into Friday, even though the air really won't be arctic in nature. It'll simply be cold enough so that some of the preferred areas pick up several inches of snow. And in most cases, this will be the first meaningful snow event of the season around the lakes!
A quick check of the longer range forecast suggests this cold that comes through the pattern with this developing trough will come and go. In other words, the moderating process will begin on the Plains Friday, spread across the Mississippi into the Midwest Saturday, and then filter into the Northeast in reduced fashion for Sunday and the early part of next week.
Still another storm will come out of the southern branch of the jet to open up next week, but it really looks as if the upper level trough to accompany this will be a little farther west, thanks in large part to blocking downstream that isn't over Greenland, but rather WEST of Greenland. In turn, that is likely to turn that storm toward the Great Lakes over time, and keep any snow associated with it to the north and west of the storm track, none of which should impact the northern Rockies and northern Plains, or maybe even much of the Midwest.
The cold that follows this trough will be more destined for the southern tier of states, not the Northeast, where it just may stay warmer than normal through most of next week. After that, THEN maybe some arctic air will truly get involved in the picture, but in deference to the NAEFS and the European Weekly Climate Forecasts from last Thursday night, my hunch is this will be centered on the Rockies and Plains, not the East, at least initially. Now, if the block were farther east over Greenland, then the cold might be centered along or east of the Mississippi, but that doesn't appear to be the case. More on that line of thinking tomorrow. For now, my son is already waiting - time to run!
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