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.
Monday, November 30, 2009
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!
OSP AND ODOT ENCOURAGE "BLACK FRIDAY" PATIENCE AND ATTENTIVE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 5 IN WOODBURN OUTLET MALL AREA
November 24th, 2009 9:02 AM
Oregon State Police (OSP) and ODOT encourage "Black Friday" shopping enthusiasts to keep their minds on safe driving - not sale prices - this weekend.
OSP Salem Area Command Lieutenant Eric Judah pointed out that shoppers are expected to begin arriving Thursday afternoon, November 26th, at the Woodburn Outlet Mall for their annual "Black Friday" sale. Heavy traffic congestion and significant back ups for several miles in both directions are anticipated on Interstate 5 at exit 271 throughout the night and into Friday morning. The heavy traffic congestion increases the potential for crashes in the area.
"With ODOT's help, we will work to keep the left and center lanes moving as most shoppers and travelers will use the right hand lane to exit off the freeway. Troopers working in the area will aggressively look for those who drive down the freeway shoulder, or drivers who stop in the left and center lanes to merge at the last possible chance prior to the exit," said Judah.
An ODOT Command Post at the top of the Woodburn interchange will monitor traffic during the night, and four Incident Response trucks will be working from 3:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Reader boards will be posted on Interstate 5 southbound prior to the Woodburn area advising through traffic to use left and center lanes and ALL mall traffic to use right lane.
ODOT will also use its Park-n-Ride property near the Denny's restaurant on Highway 214 just east of Interstate 5 as parking for shoppers the night of the sale. The space can hold several hundred cars, and the mall will provide a shuttle to and from the stores.
"Our objective is to keep traffic moving in both directions with minimal delay and to help shoppers get to the sales safely," Judah said.
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Oregon State Police (OSP) and ODOT encourage "Black Friday" shopping enthusiasts to keep their minds on safe driving - not sale prices - this weekend.
OSP Salem Area Command Lieutenant Eric Judah pointed out that shoppers are expected to begin arriving Thursday afternoon, November 26th, at the Woodburn Outlet Mall for their annual "Black Friday" sale. Heavy traffic congestion and significant back ups for several miles in both directions are anticipated on Interstate 5 at exit 271 throughout the night and into Friday morning. The heavy traffic congestion increases the potential for crashes in the area.
"With ODOT's help, we will work to keep the left and center lanes moving as most shoppers and travelers will use the right hand lane to exit off the freeway. Troopers working in the area will aggressively look for those who drive down the freeway shoulder, or drivers who stop in the left and center lanes to merge at the last possible chance prior to the exit," said Judah.
An ODOT Command Post at the top of the Woodburn interchange will monitor traffic during the night, and four Incident Response trucks will be working from 3:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Reader boards will be posted on Interstate 5 southbound prior to the Woodburn area advising through traffic to use left and center lanes and ALL mall traffic to use right lane.
ODOT will also use its Park-n-Ride property near the Denny's restaurant on Highway 214 just east of Interstate 5 as parking for shoppers the night of the sale. The space can hold several hundred cars, and the mall will provide a shuttle to and from the stores.
"Our objective is to keep traffic moving in both directions with minimal delay and to help shoppers get to the sales safely," Judah said.
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
West Coast Flood Risks Heightened this winter
Winter and early spring often bring intense storms over the Pacific Ocean potentially causing heavy rains on the West Coast. The rainy season accounts not only for the majority of the yearly rainfall, but also for conditions like cresting rivers, backed-up storm drains and saturated ground that can lead to devastating floods.
www.floodsmart.gov
www.floodsmart.gov
Monday, November 23, 2009
Call the Flu Holine Before you go to the doctor
Originally printed at http://www.kcby.com/news/health/70631457.html
These days, a simple fever raises questions: Do I have the H1N1 flu and if I do, should I go to the doctor?
Before you rush to the clinic or hospital, there's a simple call you can make. Oregon Public Health Flu Hotline (1-800-978-3040) now has nurses to talk to about symptoms, prevention advice, concerns about flu exposure, taking care of others and when to see a doctor.
"Most people recover from the flu on their own with rest and fluids. But sometimes it's helpful to talk to a medical professional to decide if you need to go to the doctor," says Paul Cieslak, M.D., medical director for the Oregon public health immunization program.
The Oregon Public Health Flu Hotline is one-stop shopping for all your flu concerns. Operators can tell callers about vaccine availability and answer many basic flu questions. The new feature connects callers with a nurse who can provide medical advice about both seasonal and H1N1 flu. These services are available throughout the state, in nearly any language, and the call is free. It could save you a trip to the doctor or emergency room, and ease crowding so that health care providers can help the people who need it more quickly.
"We want everyone in Oregon to get the best information and advice about the flu. And we want to make it easy for people to stay home when they're sick, unless they really need to see a doctor," says Cieslak. Oregon is one of the few states to offer this service.
The Oregon Public Health Flu Hotline is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; weekends and holidays 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
These days, a simple fever raises questions: Do I have the H1N1 flu and if I do, should I go to the doctor?
Before you rush to the clinic or hospital, there's a simple call you can make. Oregon Public Health Flu Hotline (1-800-978-3040) now has nurses to talk to about symptoms, prevention advice, concerns about flu exposure, taking care of others and when to see a doctor.
"Most people recover from the flu on their own with rest and fluids. But sometimes it's helpful to talk to a medical professional to decide if you need to go to the doctor," says Paul Cieslak, M.D., medical director for the Oregon public health immunization program.
The Oregon Public Health Flu Hotline is one-stop shopping for all your flu concerns. Operators can tell callers about vaccine availability and answer many basic flu questions. The new feature connects callers with a nurse who can provide medical advice about both seasonal and H1N1 flu. These services are available throughout the state, in nearly any language, and the call is free. It could save you a trip to the doctor or emergency room, and ease crowding so that health care providers can help the people who need it more quickly.
"We want everyone in Oregon to get the best information and advice about the flu. And we want to make it easy for people to stay home when they're sick, unless they really need to see a doctor," says Cieslak. Oregon is one of the few states to offer this service.
The Oregon Public Health Flu Hotline is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; weekends and holidays 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday, November 20, 2009
A parade of Pacific storms far from over.
The one-two punch of the past 24 hours into today is reaching a climax now with heavy rain moving into northern California, and it's bringing the first really heavy snow of the season to the Sierra. However, it will fade pretty quickly tonight as this upper-level trough moves inland. Why? The next storm will be knocking on the door of the Northwest by tomorrow, spreading more heavy rain and mountain snow inland during the afternoon and at night.
This system will taper to showers Sunday, only in time for still another storm to take aim at the region Sunday night and Monday. While the core of that storm is more aimed at British Columbia, it will nevertheless rain in much of Washington and western Oregon, with little for California.
This system will taper to showers Sunday, only in time for still another storm to take aim at the region Sunday night and Monday. While the core of that storm is more aimed at British Columbia, it will nevertheless rain in much of Washington and western Oregon, with little for California.
Weekend forecast: No break from Northwest's storms
By Doyle Rice, USA TODAY
The assault of storms continues this weekend in the Pacific Northwest, as another powerful system is forecast to slam ashore with heavy rain and snow late Saturday and into Sunday. Most of the rest of the nation should enjoy a mild weekend, as the intensely cold air remains bottled up in Canada and Alaska. Nuisance rain will dampen the South today and Sunday.
Nasty Northwest: The remnants of the storm that hammered the Northwest on Friday will move into the northern Rockies Saturday, bringing heavy snow and strong winds to the region.
Yet another powerful storm will roar into the Northwest Saturday night, spreading a new round of rain and snow across Washington, Oregon and Northern California"
Heavy rain is likely at lower elevations, while heavy snow will fall across the Cascades and Sierra Saturday night and Sunday and into the northern Rockies on Sunday. More than a foot of snow is likely at the highest elevations.
Soggy South: A rainstorm will slog across parts of the South Saturday and into the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic on Sunday. No heavy volume or flooding is forecast.
Saturday, as low pressure moves into the northern Gulf Coast, rain will spread up the lower Mississippi Valley and into the Southeast. The heaviest rain is likely in southern Louisiana and Alabama. By Sunday, most of the rain will spread into Georgia, the Carolinas and the Mid-Atlantic.
Holiday outlook: There are no severe thunderstorms predicted anywhere in the USA over the weekend. Also, the tropics remain quiet as the official end of the Atlantic hurricane season approaches on Nov. 30.
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The assault of storms continues this weekend in the Pacific Northwest, as another powerful system is forecast to slam ashore with heavy rain and snow late Saturday and into Sunday. Most of the rest of the nation should enjoy a mild weekend, as the intensely cold air remains bottled up in Canada and Alaska. Nuisance rain will dampen the South today and Sunday.
Nasty Northwest: The remnants of the storm that hammered the Northwest on Friday will move into the northern Rockies Saturday, bringing heavy snow and strong winds to the region.
Yet another powerful storm will roar into the Northwest Saturday night, spreading a new round of rain and snow across Washington, Oregon and Northern California"
Heavy rain is likely at lower elevations, while heavy snow will fall across the Cascades and Sierra Saturday night and Sunday and into the northern Rockies on Sunday. More than a foot of snow is likely at the highest elevations.
Soggy South: A rainstorm will slog across parts of the South Saturday and into the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic on Sunday. No heavy volume or flooding is forecast.
Saturday, as low pressure moves into the northern Gulf Coast, rain will spread up the lower Mississippi Valley and into the Southeast. The heaviest rain is likely in southern Louisiana and Alabama. By Sunday, most of the rain will spread into Georgia, the Carolinas and the Mid-Atlantic.
Holiday outlook: There are no severe thunderstorms predicted anywhere in the USA over the weekend. Also, the tropics remain quiet as the official end of the Atlantic hurricane season approaches on Nov. 30.
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Ingrediants for your Thanksgiving Holiday Traffic Safety Recipe
Highway travel is expected to again be heavy during the 2009 Thanksgiving holiday week as families pile into their cars and head off for their destinations. To keep one's joyful holiday from turning into a tragedy, state, county and city police agencies will be working together to save lives and prevent injuries on Oregon's roads during the longest holiday period of the year.
"There are a few ingredients we urge everyone to remember to include in their ‘traffic safety recipe'," said Oregon State Police (OSP) Superintendent Timothy McLain. "Drive carefully, alert and sober are a few key ingredients and, of course, buckle up each and every trip, night or day."
During the 102-hour holiday period starting 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 25th, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, November 29th, OSP troopers will be joining the 32nd annual national Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) program. Troopers are joining county sheriff deputies and city police officers in Oregon and around the country to reduce crashes, injuries and deaths on our highways and streets. In conjunction with Operation C.A.R.E., police officers will be involved with a special crackdown – Click it or Ticket – for people who refuse to use safety restraints during Thanksgiving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nationally during the 2008 Thanksgiving holiday period, 389 passenger vehicle occupants died in motor vehicle crashes. Two of last year's traffic fatalities occurred in Oregon, the lowest reported number of Thanksgiving holiday traffic deaths since 1999. One of Oregon's deaths was a pedestrian attempting to cross Interstate 5, and the other was in an alcohol and speed-involved crash on Interstate 5 in southwest Portland.
Nighttime is the most dangerous time on the road because safety belt use is lower. Nearly two-thirds of the 2008 Thanksgiving holiday period traffic fatalities occurred during nighttime. Sixty-seven (67) percent of those deaths were people who did not have their safety belts fastened.
"Regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. Unfortunately, some people seem willing to risk getting a ticket, or worse, getting killed or injured because they didn't take a second to buckle up before driving," said Tillamook County Sheriff Todd Anderson.
According to NHTSA, research has shown that when lap and shoulder belts are used properly, the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants is reduced by 45 percent, and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent.
While Oregon continues to be in the top three states nationally for safety restraint usage rates, as seen in two tragic November crashes too many children and adults still are failing to click the safety belt buckle. Carla Levinski, ODOT's Occupant Protection Program Manager, stressed these important reminders about Oregon's safety belt laws:
* Child passengers must be restrained in approved child safety seats until they weigh forty pounds. Infants must ride in rear-facing seats until they reach both one year of age AND twenty pounds.
* Children over forty pounds must use boosters to 4'9" tall unless they have reached age eight.
* Even if your holiday dinner has made your safety belt use uncomfortable, please do not take it off until you are safely at your destination and ready to get out of your vehicle.
OSP offices are putting the final touches on problem-oriented plans, focusing enforcement efforts in known areas and associated crash factors including the ongoing problem of impaired drivers. Last year, OSP troopers reported 53 DUII arrests.
OSP and ODOT remind travelers to use TripCheck.com (or call 5-1-1) for the latest road conditions, paying close attention to your travel routes while keeping up on unexpected weather and road conditions. The recipe for safety during this holiday period should include:
Getting Ready for the Trip
* Plan ahead to give yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination.
* Stay informed through the media regarding weather conditions, potential traffic hazards and highway closures.
* Check road conditions by visiting www.TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1
* Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving starting with good tires, a good battery and full tank of gas, especially if heading over mountain passes.
* Carry an emergency kit and chains or traction tires, especially if traveling over mountain passes.
* Snacks and bottled water also are a good idea for long trips, especially with children.
* Carry a map in case weather or road conditions force you to take a detour. Keep family members or friends aware of any significant changes in your planned route before you take the unplanned route.
* Get plenty of rest before you leave on long trips.
* Clear snow, ice or frost from windows and headlights before you leave.
* Make sure everyone is using safety restraints and secure any cargo.
* Always have a designated driver for any holiday activities that include alcohol.
On the Road:
* Drive according to conditions. If it's wet, icy, snowy or foggy, slow down and increase your following distance behind other vehicles to at least a four-second distance. Keep in mind that conditions may not be perfect to drive at the posted speed.
* Use headlights even in daylight to help other drivers see you.
* Don't use cruise control in wet, icy, snowy or foggy conditions.
* Be patient with all the other traffic on the highways.
* Watch out for pedestrians now that the days are shorter and darker, and remember they're often in dark clothing.
* If you get tired or drowsy, stop and rest during your trip or get a rested and sober licensed driver behind the wheel.
* There are still many construction zones on our highways, and even though work will be inactive over the holiday weekend there may be equipment, detours, and incomplete changes in the roadway. Stay alert and slow down because all work zone speed limits still apply and fines increase in these areas.
* Don't drink and drive or get into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking.
Report any possible intoxicated driver or dangerous driver to the Oregon State Police at 1-800-24DRUNK (1-800-243-7865) or call 9-1-1.
"There are a few ingredients we urge everyone to remember to include in their ‘traffic safety recipe'," said Oregon State Police (OSP) Superintendent Timothy McLain. "Drive carefully, alert and sober are a few key ingredients and, of course, buckle up each and every trip, night or day."
During the 102-hour holiday period starting 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 25th, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, November 29th, OSP troopers will be joining the 32nd annual national Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) program. Troopers are joining county sheriff deputies and city police officers in Oregon and around the country to reduce crashes, injuries and deaths on our highways and streets. In conjunction with Operation C.A.R.E., police officers will be involved with a special crackdown – Click it or Ticket – for people who refuse to use safety restraints during Thanksgiving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nationally during the 2008 Thanksgiving holiday period, 389 passenger vehicle occupants died in motor vehicle crashes. Two of last year's traffic fatalities occurred in Oregon, the lowest reported number of Thanksgiving holiday traffic deaths since 1999. One of Oregon's deaths was a pedestrian attempting to cross Interstate 5, and the other was in an alcohol and speed-involved crash on Interstate 5 in southwest Portland.
Nighttime is the most dangerous time on the road because safety belt use is lower. Nearly two-thirds of the 2008 Thanksgiving holiday period traffic fatalities occurred during nighttime. Sixty-seven (67) percent of those deaths were people who did not have their safety belts fastened.
"Regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. Unfortunately, some people seem willing to risk getting a ticket, or worse, getting killed or injured because they didn't take a second to buckle up before driving," said Tillamook County Sheriff Todd Anderson.
According to NHTSA, research has shown that when lap and shoulder belts are used properly, the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants is reduced by 45 percent, and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent.
While Oregon continues to be in the top three states nationally for safety restraint usage rates, as seen in two tragic November crashes too many children and adults still are failing to click the safety belt buckle. Carla Levinski, ODOT's Occupant Protection Program Manager, stressed these important reminders about Oregon's safety belt laws:
* Child passengers must be restrained in approved child safety seats until they weigh forty pounds. Infants must ride in rear-facing seats until they reach both one year of age AND twenty pounds.
* Children over forty pounds must use boosters to 4'9" tall unless they have reached age eight.
* Even if your holiday dinner has made your safety belt use uncomfortable, please do not take it off until you are safely at your destination and ready to get out of your vehicle.
OSP offices are putting the final touches on problem-oriented plans, focusing enforcement efforts in known areas and associated crash factors including the ongoing problem of impaired drivers. Last year, OSP troopers reported 53 DUII arrests.
OSP and ODOT remind travelers to use TripCheck.com (or call 5-1-1) for the latest road conditions, paying close attention to your travel routes while keeping up on unexpected weather and road conditions. The recipe for safety during this holiday period should include:
Getting Ready for the Trip
* Plan ahead to give yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination.
* Stay informed through the media regarding weather conditions, potential traffic hazards and highway closures.
* Check road conditions by visiting www.TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1
* Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving starting with good tires, a good battery and full tank of gas, especially if heading over mountain passes.
* Carry an emergency kit and chains or traction tires, especially if traveling over mountain passes.
* Snacks and bottled water also are a good idea for long trips, especially with children.
* Carry a map in case weather or road conditions force you to take a detour. Keep family members or friends aware of any significant changes in your planned route before you take the unplanned route.
* Get plenty of rest before you leave on long trips.
* Clear snow, ice or frost from windows and headlights before you leave.
* Make sure everyone is using safety restraints and secure any cargo.
* Always have a designated driver for any holiday activities that include alcohol.
On the Road:
* Drive according to conditions. If it's wet, icy, snowy or foggy, slow down and increase your following distance behind other vehicles to at least a four-second distance. Keep in mind that conditions may not be perfect to drive at the posted speed.
* Use headlights even in daylight to help other drivers see you.
* Don't use cruise control in wet, icy, snowy or foggy conditions.
* Be patient with all the other traffic on the highways.
* Watch out for pedestrians now that the days are shorter and darker, and remember they're often in dark clothing.
* If you get tired or drowsy, stop and rest during your trip or get a rested and sober licensed driver behind the wheel.
* There are still many construction zones on our highways, and even though work will be inactive over the holiday weekend there may be equipment, detours, and incomplete changes in the roadway. Stay alert and slow down because all work zone speed limits still apply and fines increase in these areas.
* Don't drink and drive or get into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking.
Report any possible intoxicated driver or dangerous driver to the Oregon State Police at 1-800-24DRUNK (1-800-243-7865) or call 9-1-1.
Significant National Weather
A strong cold front will move into the coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest today. The Oregon headlands will see wind gusts up to 80mph while the ridge tops of the Sierras will see gusts up to 125 mph. Rain is expected from Washington to the northern San Joaquin Valley of Central California. An additional 6 to 8 inches of rain is forecast in the Olympic Peninsula while the rest of western Washington through the San Francisco Bay area may see rain totals of an inch or more.
The Cascades and the northern half of the Sierra Nevada will see heavy snow and gusty
winds; the strong winds will reach as far east as Idaho, Nevada and Utah. The storm will weaken on Saturday as it moves eastward through the Great Basin to the northern and central Rockies and mountain snow and gusty winds are expected. A second cold front will arrive Saturday night into Sunday, bringing more rain and snow from Washington, Oregon, and northern California to western sections of Montana and Wyoming.
A third cold front will move into Washington and Oregon early next week.
The Cascades and the northern half of the Sierra Nevada will see heavy snow and gusty
winds; the strong winds will reach as far east as Idaho, Nevada and Utah. The storm will weaken on Saturday as it moves eastward through the Great Basin to the northern and central Rockies and mountain snow and gusty winds are expected. A second cold front will arrive Saturday night into Sunday, bringing more rain and snow from Washington, Oregon, and northern California to western sections of Montana and Wyoming.
A third cold front will move into Washington and Oregon early next week.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Public Awareness Campaign to educate travelers about H1N1
CDC Kicks Off National Travelers’ Health Public Awareness Campaign Effort Aims to Educate Travelers about H1N1
Every holiday season, millions of Americans travel through the nation’s airports, seaports, and train stations to spend time with loved ones. Special holiday get-togethers – and traveling itself – bring people close together but also provide an ideal way for illness to spread. To help travelers avoid the flu this holiday season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today launched its largest ever public awareness campaign about staying healthy while traveling.
“The holidays are one of the busiest travel times of the year,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “People are in close contact – whether they’re on a plane, train, ship or just visiting with loved ones. This campaign provides practical advice to help travelers prepare for their trips and stay healthy during their holiday travel.”
CDC is urging people to take the following steps when planning their travel and to stay informed about what to do if they get sick while they’re gone, including:
• Traveling only when they are feeling well • Getting vaccinated for flu (both seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 if they are in a priority group) • Washing hands often • Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve
“We know that flu – and specifically H1N1 this year – is a big concern for people, but flu shouldn’t ruin the holidays,” Dr. Schuchat said. “By practicing a little prevention, people can enjoy their holidays and stay well at the same time.”
CDC developed the campaign in response to the emergence in April of the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic. Since then, flu has spread throughout the country and around the world. In the United States, it has accounted for millions of cases and more than 4,000 deaths since April.
CDC launched the campaign at a joint event with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano today in Washington, DC. The campaign will run through the holiday season and use a variety of media, including informational posters at major airports, ports of entry and border crossings; national radio and print advertising; and social media and online outreach. CDC will also partner with local health departments, travel professionals, health care professionals, and colleges and universities to further educate the public. Campaign themes include “Prevention can be Travel-Sized” and “Stop, Wash and Go.”
For more information about the CDC Travelers’ Health campaign, recommendations regarding travel, visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/novel-h1n1-flu.aspx. For more information about the H1N1 virus, visit www.flu.gov.
Every holiday season, millions of Americans travel through the nation’s airports, seaports, and train stations to spend time with loved ones. Special holiday get-togethers – and traveling itself – bring people close together but also provide an ideal way for illness to spread. To help travelers avoid the flu this holiday season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today launched its largest ever public awareness campaign about staying healthy while traveling.
“The holidays are one of the busiest travel times of the year,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “People are in close contact – whether they’re on a plane, train, ship or just visiting with loved ones. This campaign provides practical advice to help travelers prepare for their trips and stay healthy during their holiday travel.”
CDC is urging people to take the following steps when planning their travel and to stay informed about what to do if they get sick while they’re gone, including:
• Traveling only when they are feeling well • Getting vaccinated for flu (both seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 if they are in a priority group) • Washing hands often • Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve
“We know that flu – and specifically H1N1 this year – is a big concern for people, but flu shouldn’t ruin the holidays,” Dr. Schuchat said. “By practicing a little prevention, people can enjoy their holidays and stay well at the same time.”
CDC developed the campaign in response to the emergence in April of the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic. Since then, flu has spread throughout the country and around the world. In the United States, it has accounted for millions of cases and more than 4,000 deaths since April.
CDC launched the campaign at a joint event with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano today in Washington, DC. The campaign will run through the holiday season and use a variety of media, including informational posters at major airports, ports of entry and border crossings; national radio and print advertising; and social media and online outreach. CDC will also partner with local health departments, travel professionals, health care professionals, and colleges and universities to further educate the public. Campaign themes include “Prevention can be Travel-Sized” and “Stop, Wash and Go.”
For more information about the CDC Travelers’ Health campaign, recommendations regarding travel, visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/novel-h1n1-flu.aspx. For more information about the H1N1 virus, visit www.flu.gov.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Weird Mix of Weather After Oregon Coast Storm, More Warnings
Flooding just south of Seaside is expected to subside by Wednesday morning.
(Oregon Coast) - Monday's storm unloaded plenty of statistics on the Oregon coast, but it left a strange set of conditions afterwards to spectacular results of varying degrees. The central coast reported a beautiful sunset Tuesday afternoon, while the north coast saw everything from a downpour of rain, a sky thick with stars, and then even thunder and lightning.
Meanwhile, another storm system is poised to bring a smaller volley of wind gusts Wednesday to the coast, and a wind watch has been changed to a wind warning.
After raining most of the day Tuesday, the skies around Manzanita became unusually clear, revealing a sea of stars above the raging ocean about 8 p.m. Then, perhaps and hour later, thunder rolled through the area, as massive flashes of lightning could be seen in the east and north periodically.
All kinds of damage was reported on the north coast during the storm, from Astoria down to at least Oceanside, but the central coast seemed to be spared any destruction or too much excitement. Gusts of around 90 to 95 mph were reported in places like Cape Foulweather near Depoe Bay, Garibaldi and Waldport.
But on the north coast, flooding stranded motorists coming to and from Seaside, trees were knocked down and the roof of the old courthouse in Seaside was torn off and strewn around the street.
During the storm, electricity went out in several places in Clatsop and Tillamook Counties periodically throughout the day, but over 2,700 people were without power for almost 24 hours in Cannon Beach.
Power came back on around 3 p.m. Tuesday to most in town, but that didn’t save shops and restaurants from being closed the whole day. As of 6 p.m., only a handful of businesses were open, including two restaurants and one store.
A sign on the Lumberyard Restaurant told the story of all but two Cannon Beach eateries that day: “Closed due to power outage.”
As of 5:30 p.m., the road just south of Seaside was still substantially flooded, although most cars were able to get through. ODOT workers at the scene said the water had gone down eight inches on Tuesday, and they expected it to be clear by morning.
The Sea Horse Motel in Lincoln City reported occasional big gusts around 11 p.m. Monday night, but otherwise it was a “typical storm,” they said. There have so far been no reports of flooding on the central coast.
Angi Wildt, with Depoe Bay Winery, reveled in the madness.
“Last night I went for a walk at Beverly Beach,” Wildt said. “There was a layer of sand blowing above the wet sand and it was fun and invigorating to lean my back into the wind and have it hold me up. We've enjoyed blue skies today and the sunset is beautiful.”
Sarah MacDonald, who owns Sea Sweet Vacation Rentals in Oceanside, said she missed most of it, as she was flying home from Maui.
“It was pretty darn rocky,” she said. “Came home over the Wilson River Highway and thought: ‘What the heck hit the coast?’ Debris everywhere. Got home, woke up this morning and checked the rentals, and the neighbors had siding blown off. The wind must have hit pretty darn hard. I guess we were in the last of it, but it was over by the time we arrived home.”
In Pacific City, Kiwanda Coastal Properties owner Nicole Twigg noticed something odd during the windy melee.
“I really wish I would have taken a picture of my neighbor washing his car yesterday in full rain gear when the wind was really starting to pick up,” she said. “Of all days, he was thinking he’d better get out there and wash it.”
Garibaldi saw gusts around 90 mph on Monday night.
But the fun isn’t over for the north coast.
The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued a high wind for Wednesday, as another system of storms is expected to kick in. That was changed to a wind warning, and extended from Wednesday through to early Thursday.
“The first in a series of storms will begin to affect the south Washington coast and north Oregon coast on Wednesday afternoon,” the NWS said in a bulletin. “Winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph will begin to affect the coast by mid afternoon. Winds will then increase to 30 to 40 mph with gusts to 70 mph in the evening.”
The NWS said they expect winds to continue on into Thursday.
(Oregon Coast) - Monday's storm unloaded plenty of statistics on the Oregon coast, but it left a strange set of conditions afterwards to spectacular results of varying degrees. The central coast reported a beautiful sunset Tuesday afternoon, while the north coast saw everything from a downpour of rain, a sky thick with stars, and then even thunder and lightning.
Meanwhile, another storm system is poised to bring a smaller volley of wind gusts Wednesday to the coast, and a wind watch has been changed to a wind warning.
After raining most of the day Tuesday, the skies around Manzanita became unusually clear, revealing a sea of stars above the raging ocean about 8 p.m. Then, perhaps and hour later, thunder rolled through the area, as massive flashes of lightning could be seen in the east and north periodically.
All kinds of damage was reported on the north coast during the storm, from Astoria down to at least Oceanside, but the central coast seemed to be spared any destruction or too much excitement. Gusts of around 90 to 95 mph were reported in places like Cape Foulweather near Depoe Bay, Garibaldi and Waldport.
But on the north coast, flooding stranded motorists coming to and from Seaside, trees were knocked down and the roof of the old courthouse in Seaside was torn off and strewn around the street.
During the storm, electricity went out in several places in Clatsop and Tillamook Counties periodically throughout the day, but over 2,700 people were without power for almost 24 hours in Cannon Beach.
Power came back on around 3 p.m. Tuesday to most in town, but that didn’t save shops and restaurants from being closed the whole day. As of 6 p.m., only a handful of businesses were open, including two restaurants and one store.
A sign on the Lumberyard Restaurant told the story of all but two Cannon Beach eateries that day: “Closed due to power outage.”
As of 5:30 p.m., the road just south of Seaside was still substantially flooded, although most cars were able to get through. ODOT workers at the scene said the water had gone down eight inches on Tuesday, and they expected it to be clear by morning.
The Sea Horse Motel in Lincoln City reported occasional big gusts around 11 p.m. Monday night, but otherwise it was a “typical storm,” they said. There have so far been no reports of flooding on the central coast.
Angi Wildt, with Depoe Bay Winery, reveled in the madness.
“Last night I went for a walk at Beverly Beach,” Wildt said. “There was a layer of sand blowing above the wet sand and it was fun and invigorating to lean my back into the wind and have it hold me up. We've enjoyed blue skies today and the sunset is beautiful.”
Sarah MacDonald, who owns Sea Sweet Vacation Rentals in Oceanside, said she missed most of it, as she was flying home from Maui.
“It was pretty darn rocky,” she said. “Came home over the Wilson River Highway and thought: ‘What the heck hit the coast?’ Debris everywhere. Got home, woke up this morning and checked the rentals, and the neighbors had siding blown off. The wind must have hit pretty darn hard. I guess we were in the last of it, but it was over by the time we arrived home.”
In Pacific City, Kiwanda Coastal Properties owner Nicole Twigg noticed something odd during the windy melee.
“I really wish I would have taken a picture of my neighbor washing his car yesterday in full rain gear when the wind was really starting to pick up,” she said. “Of all days, he was thinking he’d better get out there and wash it.”
Garibaldi saw gusts around 90 mph on Monday night.
But the fun isn’t over for the north coast.
The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued a high wind for Wednesday, as another system of storms is expected to kick in. That was changed to a wind warning, and extended from Wednesday through to early Thursday.
“The first in a series of storms will begin to affect the south Washington coast and north Oregon coast on Wednesday afternoon,” the NWS said in a bulletin. “Winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph will begin to affect the coast by mid afternoon. Winds will then increase to 30 to 40 mph with gusts to 70 mph in the evening.”
The NWS said they expect winds to continue on into Thursday.
More wind, heavy rain due as storms line up
by KATU.com Staff
Originally printed at http://www.katu.com/news/70387552.html
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Sure, it’s November in the Northwest and summery weather is not to be expected while rain and a bit of wind is par for the course.
But KATU Meteorologists are again warning that a trio of wet and windy weather systems is again bearing down on the region.
The first wave of weather is due to roll in Wednesday evening, bringing a good soaking and some stiff breezes to the region.
Then, another pulse of wet weather will arrive Thursday morning, likely right on time for the morning commute. Expect standing water, limited visibility and more wind.
That storm is expected to stall over the region and pump warm, moist air from over the ocean into Oregon and Washington. Small rivers and streams could be in danger of flooding.
Finally, a third system is lurking over the Pacific Ocean and should hit the Northwest on Saturday, bringing yet more rain and wind to soggy hills and snow to mountain locations.
Coastal locations could see up to 6 inches of rain from the system, on top of the heavy rain from the last system.
On Wednesday, heavy surf was founding the Oregon Coast ahead of the storm, as witnessed by KATU reporter Adam Ghassemi at the Barview Jetty in Garibaldi.
On the plus side, the incoming storms will continue to pile up snow in the Cascade Range, supplementing the base put down by the last wet weather system that passed through just a few days ago.
Originally printed at http://www.katu.com/news/70387552.html
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Sure, it’s November in the Northwest and summery weather is not to be expected while rain and a bit of wind is par for the course.
But KATU Meteorologists are again warning that a trio of wet and windy weather systems is again bearing down on the region.
The first wave of weather is due to roll in Wednesday evening, bringing a good soaking and some stiff breezes to the region.
Then, another pulse of wet weather will arrive Thursday morning, likely right on time for the morning commute. Expect standing water, limited visibility and more wind.
That storm is expected to stall over the region and pump warm, moist air from over the ocean into Oregon and Washington. Small rivers and streams could be in danger of flooding.
Finally, a third system is lurking over the Pacific Ocean and should hit the Northwest on Saturday, bringing yet more rain and wind to soggy hills and snow to mountain locations.
Coastal locations could see up to 6 inches of rain from the system, on top of the heavy rain from the last system.
On Wednesday, heavy surf was founding the Oregon Coast ahead of the storm, as witnessed by KATU reporter Adam Ghassemi at the Barview Jetty in Garibaldi.
On the plus side, the incoming storms will continue to pile up snow in the Cascade Range, supplementing the base put down by the last wet weather system that passed through just a few days ago.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
High winds whirl up damage
http://www.dailyastorian.info/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=398&ArticleID=65712
By JOE GAMM and NANCY McCARTHY The Daily AstorianTuesday, November 17, 2009
The North Coast was picking up the pieces Tuesday after Monday night's big storm walloped the coast with high winds and almost constant rain.The National Weather Service warns that more bad weather is on the way.
Sustained winds of 55 mph were reported at Clatsop Spit near Astoria and there was one report of a gust of 62 mph in Seaside. Farther south, wind gusts at or exceeding 89 mph were reported at Waldport and Garibaldi.
A 95 mph gust was reported about 5:15 p.m. Monday at Cape Foulweather between Newport and Lincoln City.The U.S. Coast Guard closed the bars at the Columbia River and Tillamook Bay Monday and they remained closed overnight.
National Weather Service meteorologist Jonathan Wolfe in Portland said one to two inches of rain fell in about 12 hours on the Coast. The weather service has issued a flood watch for nearly all of northwest Oregon.
The biggest casualty was the roof of the old City Hall building at Broadway and Roosevelt Drive in Seaside that blew off. The road was blocked off by city of Seaside public works crews and was to be inspected at first light to determine how quickly it could be moved. The building was being renovated for local business use.
Flooding south of Seaside caused U.S. Highway 101 to be closed overnight to all but trucks and large high-profile vehicles, with a reported one foot of water on the roadway.
Adam Torgerson, the public information officer for Oregon Department of Transportation Region 2, said staff measured 16 inches of standing water on U.S. Highway 101 at Beerman Creek at 9 a.m. this morning. Although the rains from overnight had subsided, he said the tide was coming in, so crews did not expect the water on the road to recede.
Traffic through the area is limited to high-clearance vehicles, such as basic four-wheel drive vehicles. Torgerson said no passenger cars or minivans are allowed to pass through the high water."Over the course of the storm there were remarkably few trees down," Torgerson said. "There is brush and debris in various sections of the roads."He said crews are working to remove the brush and debris from Highway 101 and U.S. Highway 26.
He said hazardous tree removal done this summer might have had an impact on the storm's damage. There were only a few trees in the area that fell across roads."Typically, with that much wind, there is more," Torgerson said.Flood warnings were issued Monday for the Nehalem River. Between 2 and 2 1⁄2 inches of rain fell overnight and two rivers in Washington - the Willapa and the Grays - exceeded flood stage.Cannon Beach Elementary School was closed today because of a power outage that began at about 4 p.m. Monday. All other schools in the Seaside School District were open.Sheila Holden, regional community manager Pacific Power, said the wind damaged three transmission towers.
A mobile generator was to be moved to Cannon Beach to power core businesses, from Cannon Beach Elementary School south to the Pig 'N Pancake. She was unsure when power would be restored to the rest of the city.One of the transmission towers is in the middle of water, Holden said, and an assessment would have to be made about how to get equipment to it and what damage needed to be repaired.
Other sporadic outages occurred from Warrenton to Seaside, but those were repaired, Holden said.The transmission line serving Cannon Beach is in dense forest, which in places is not easy to reach."Cannon Beach is a beautiful place, but the terrain and mother nature seem to hit it the most," Holden said.
City Manager Rich Mays said the city staff planned to meet this morning to discuss damage that may have occurred and what to do if an extended power outage continued. Although there were no plans yet to open a shelter, Mays said that would be discussed. Coincidentally, the city's shelter committee had scheduled a meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday.Two trees came down in town, including one that landed on an SUV on Hemlock Street between Jackson and Monroe streets and one that fell over Hills Lane. Another major branch fell at Dawes and Spruce streets.
In addition to power outages, telephone service went out in some places, including Arch Cape.Clatsop County Emergency Management coordinator Gene Strong said this morning that staff held a weather briefing Monday afternoon to prepare for the coming storm. He said staff agreed to monitor the weather and remain prepared to react if needed, but emergency management plans were not implemented overnight."The bad news is we have another (storm) coming," he said.Clatsop County Sheriff Tom Bergin said there was little serious damage from the overnight storm. He said there were few trees across roads this year. "The first storm usually just loosens 'em," Bergin said. "We'll be watching closely Thursday."The storm hit KMUN's transmission tower on Megler Mountain Monday morning.
The damage to the antenna meant that station managers had to shift programming to its sister station KCPB at 90.9 FM. The regular programming on KCPB was being pre-empted.
The storm damage happened between 8 and 10 a.m. Monday at the transmission tower, which is on a ridge above the Washington side of the Astoria-Megler Bridge. The strong winds battering the North Coast blew the antenna off the tower. A station spokesman said staff were working hard to restore normal broadcasting as soon as possible. A new antenna was being fabricated and shipped to the station.The interim general manager, Doug Sweet, was working with former general manager Dave Hammock and engineer Terry Wilson to correct the issue, but feared it could take three to five days. KTCB Tillamook and the three translators (South Astoria 91.1, Cannon Beach 89.5, and Wheeler/Manzanita 88.9) will be silent during this period. The receivers for KTCB and the translators listen to 91.9 for KMUN, and the engineering department cannot re-tune them to hear KCPB at 90.9. KMUN continued to broadcast on the internet at coastradio.org KAST Radio also had trouble. The Tuesday morning news crew reported the station's satellite dish was hit by the storm, meaning they had to offer local broadcasting instead of regular national offerings in the early morning slot.
The National Weather Service said a series of storm systems will continue to roll through the region through the weekend, beginning Wednesday night.In Washington, flood waters are receding in many areas. However, the flood warning remains in effect until Wednesday afternoon for the Skokomish River near Potlatch.
A five-mile section of Highway 101 was closed by flooding and mudslides Monday night near Hoodsport. Transportation Department spokeswoman Emily Pace says it remains officially closed until experts assess the situation, but some traffic Tuesday morning drove around the "road closed" signs.
Some high winds reported around Washington: Hoquiam 70 mph, Bellingham 58 mph, Everett 46 mph, Bremerton 39 mph, Sea-Tac Airport 35, Olympia 36.
By JOE GAMM and NANCY McCARTHY The Daily AstorianTuesday, November 17, 2009
The North Coast was picking up the pieces Tuesday after Monday night's big storm walloped the coast with high winds and almost constant rain.The National Weather Service warns that more bad weather is on the way.
Sustained winds of 55 mph were reported at Clatsop Spit near Astoria and there was one report of a gust of 62 mph in Seaside. Farther south, wind gusts at or exceeding 89 mph were reported at Waldport and Garibaldi.
A 95 mph gust was reported about 5:15 p.m. Monday at Cape Foulweather between Newport and Lincoln City.The U.S. Coast Guard closed the bars at the Columbia River and Tillamook Bay Monday and they remained closed overnight.
National Weather Service meteorologist Jonathan Wolfe in Portland said one to two inches of rain fell in about 12 hours on the Coast. The weather service has issued a flood watch for nearly all of northwest Oregon.
The biggest casualty was the roof of the old City Hall building at Broadway and Roosevelt Drive in Seaside that blew off. The road was blocked off by city of Seaside public works crews and was to be inspected at first light to determine how quickly it could be moved. The building was being renovated for local business use.
Flooding south of Seaside caused U.S. Highway 101 to be closed overnight to all but trucks and large high-profile vehicles, with a reported one foot of water on the roadway.
Adam Torgerson, the public information officer for Oregon Department of Transportation Region 2, said staff measured 16 inches of standing water on U.S. Highway 101 at Beerman Creek at 9 a.m. this morning. Although the rains from overnight had subsided, he said the tide was coming in, so crews did not expect the water on the road to recede.
Traffic through the area is limited to high-clearance vehicles, such as basic four-wheel drive vehicles. Torgerson said no passenger cars or minivans are allowed to pass through the high water."Over the course of the storm there were remarkably few trees down," Torgerson said. "There is brush and debris in various sections of the roads."He said crews are working to remove the brush and debris from Highway 101 and U.S. Highway 26.
He said hazardous tree removal done this summer might have had an impact on the storm's damage. There were only a few trees in the area that fell across roads."Typically, with that much wind, there is more," Torgerson said.Flood warnings were issued Monday for the Nehalem River. Between 2 and 2 1⁄2 inches of rain fell overnight and two rivers in Washington - the Willapa and the Grays - exceeded flood stage.Cannon Beach Elementary School was closed today because of a power outage that began at about 4 p.m. Monday. All other schools in the Seaside School District were open.Sheila Holden, regional community manager Pacific Power, said the wind damaged three transmission towers.
A mobile generator was to be moved to Cannon Beach to power core businesses, from Cannon Beach Elementary School south to the Pig 'N Pancake. She was unsure when power would be restored to the rest of the city.One of the transmission towers is in the middle of water, Holden said, and an assessment would have to be made about how to get equipment to it and what damage needed to be repaired.
Other sporadic outages occurred from Warrenton to Seaside, but those were repaired, Holden said.The transmission line serving Cannon Beach is in dense forest, which in places is not easy to reach."Cannon Beach is a beautiful place, but the terrain and mother nature seem to hit it the most," Holden said.
City Manager Rich Mays said the city staff planned to meet this morning to discuss damage that may have occurred and what to do if an extended power outage continued. Although there were no plans yet to open a shelter, Mays said that would be discussed. Coincidentally, the city's shelter committee had scheduled a meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday.Two trees came down in town, including one that landed on an SUV on Hemlock Street between Jackson and Monroe streets and one that fell over Hills Lane. Another major branch fell at Dawes and Spruce streets.
In addition to power outages, telephone service went out in some places, including Arch Cape.Clatsop County Emergency Management coordinator Gene Strong said this morning that staff held a weather briefing Monday afternoon to prepare for the coming storm. He said staff agreed to monitor the weather and remain prepared to react if needed, but emergency management plans were not implemented overnight."The bad news is we have another (storm) coming," he said.Clatsop County Sheriff Tom Bergin said there was little serious damage from the overnight storm. He said there were few trees across roads this year. "The first storm usually just loosens 'em," Bergin said. "We'll be watching closely Thursday."The storm hit KMUN's transmission tower on Megler Mountain Monday morning.
The damage to the antenna meant that station managers had to shift programming to its sister station KCPB at 90.9 FM. The regular programming on KCPB was being pre-empted.
The storm damage happened between 8 and 10 a.m. Monday at the transmission tower, which is on a ridge above the Washington side of the Astoria-Megler Bridge. The strong winds battering the North Coast blew the antenna off the tower. A station spokesman said staff were working hard to restore normal broadcasting as soon as possible. A new antenna was being fabricated and shipped to the station.The interim general manager, Doug Sweet, was working with former general manager Dave Hammock and engineer Terry Wilson to correct the issue, but feared it could take three to five days. KTCB Tillamook and the three translators (South Astoria 91.1, Cannon Beach 89.5, and Wheeler/Manzanita 88.9) will be silent during this period. The receivers for KTCB and the translators listen to 91.9 for KMUN, and the engineering department cannot re-tune them to hear KCPB at 90.9. KMUN continued to broadcast on the internet at coastradio.org KAST Radio also had trouble. The Tuesday morning news crew reported the station's satellite dish was hit by the storm, meaning they had to offer local broadcasting instead of regular national offerings in the early morning slot.
The National Weather Service said a series of storm systems will continue to roll through the region through the weekend, beginning Wednesday night.In Washington, flood waters are receding in many areas. However, the flood warning remains in effect until Wednesday afternoon for the Skokomish River near Potlatch.
A five-mile section of Highway 101 was closed by flooding and mudslides Monday night near Hoodsport. Transportation Department spokeswoman Emily Pace says it remains officially closed until experts assess the situation, but some traffic Tuesday morning drove around the "road closed" signs.
Some high winds reported around Washington: Hoquiam 70 mph, Bellingham 58 mph, Everett 46 mph, Bremerton 39 mph, Sea-Tac Airport 35, Olympia 36.
Monday, November 16, 2009
US Highway 101 Flooding South of Seaside
We just received a flash alert from ODOT that there is 10 inches of water on the US 101 highway, just south of Seaside.
http://www.tripcheck.com/popups/Cam.asp?camera=652&curRegion=1
You can check road conditions for other areas of Oregon at http://www.tripcheck.com/Pages/RCmap.asp?curRegion=0&mainNav=RoadConditions
UPDATE (5:04 PM): US 101 is now closed south of Seaside. Crews report more than 1 foot of water covering the road.
http://www.tripcheck.com/popups/Cam.asp?camera=652&curRegion=1
You can check road conditions for other areas of Oregon at http://www.tripcheck.com/Pages/RCmap.asp?curRegion=0&mainNav=RoadConditions
UPDATE (5:04 PM): US 101 is now closed south of Seaside. Crews report more than 1 foot of water covering the road.
Elevated Weather Alerts for Oregon
Today the National Weather Service has elevated the weather alerts for the incoming storm. There are more than a dozen alerts, and you can see them at http://www.weather.gov/alerts-beta/or.php?x=1
Here are the highlights:
▪ Surf advisory with breaker heights as high as 25-28 feet. Storm surge combined with the near-maximum lunar high tide will cause beach erosion and riptides farther inland then normal.
▪ Coastal winds 45-55MPH with gusts up to 85 MPH. Winds have already been reported to 80+MPH in certain areas.
▪ Inland winds are expected to be 25-35 MPH with gusts up to 45 MPH.
▪ Rainfall of 3-5 inches in northwest Oregon near the Willapa hills and North Oregon Coast Range.
▪ The Nehalem River is under flood watch, as well as urban streams in the northwest corner of Oregon.
▪ Oregon Coast is under flood watch due to heavy rains
Here are the highlights:
▪ Surf advisory with breaker heights as high as 25-28 feet. Storm surge combined with the near-maximum lunar high tide will cause beach erosion and riptides farther inland then normal.
▪ Coastal winds 45-55MPH with gusts up to 85 MPH. Winds have already been reported to 80+MPH in certain areas.
▪ Inland winds are expected to be 25-35 MPH with gusts up to 45 MPH.
▪ Rainfall of 3-5 inches in northwest Oregon near the Willapa hills and North Oregon Coast Range.
▪ The Nehalem River is under flood watch, as well as urban streams in the northwest corner of Oregon.
▪ Oregon Coast is under flood watch due to heavy rains
Coastal Storm / High Wind Warning
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for the Oregon coast, cascades, and eastern Oregon. Winds are expected to gust up to 40 MPH, with gusts up to 60 MPH on Monday night. The following warning covers the Oregon coast-line:
HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 10 AM PST TUESDAY FOR THE SOUTH WASHINGTON AND NORTH OREGON COAST... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PORTLAND HAS ISSUED A HIGH WIND WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 10 AM PST TUESDAY MORNING. THE HIGH WIND WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. DISTURBANCES MOVING ALONG A NEARLY STALLED FRONTAL BOUNDARY OFFSHORE WILL ALLOW SOUTH WINDS TO PICK UP AT TIMES TONIGHT AND MONDAY. THE FIRST ROUND OF STRONGER WINDS WILL ARRIVE LATER TONIGHT...WITH ANOTHER ROUND EXPECTED EARLY MONDAY AFTERNOON. LATER THIS EVENING...SOUTH WINDS WILL STRENGTHEN TO 25 TO 40 MPH...WITH 35 TO 45 MPH ON THE OPEN BEACHES AND HEADLANDS. WINDS GUSTS OF 50 TO 60 MPH ARE EXPECTED TONIGHT AND MONDAY...WITH GUSTS OF 65 TO 80 MPH ON THE OPEN BEACHES AND HEADLANDS. THE STRONGEST WINDS WILL STRIKE THE NORTH OREGON AND SOUTH WASHINGTON COAST MONDAY NIGHT. A VERY DEEP LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL DEVELOP OFFSHORE LATE MONDAY...AND PASS OFFSHORE OF THE NORTH OREGON COAST MONDAY EVENING AS IT MOVES TOWARDS BRITISH COLUMBIA. THE ASSOCIATED COLD FRONT WILL MOVE ONSHORE LATE MONDAY NIGHT. EXPECT SOUTH WINDS TO INCREASE AGAIN MONDAY EVENING...WITH SUSTAINED SOUTH WINDS OF 40 TO 50 MPH...AND GUSTS OF 65 TO 80 MPH. HOWEVER...ON THE OPEN BEACHES AND HEADLANDS...SUSTAINED WINDS OF 50 TO 60 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 85 TO 95 MPH ARE LIKELY. WINDS WILL EASE EARLY TUESDAY MORNING AS THE LOW PRESSURE MOVES FURTHER AWAY FROM THE REGION.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A HIGH WIND WARNING MEANS A HAZARDOUS HIGH WIND EVENT IS EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SUSTAINED WIND SPEEDS OF AT LEAST 40 MPH OR GUSTS OF 58 MPH OR MORE CAN LEAD TO PROPERTY DAMAGE.
There is a wind / weather watch over the Cascades and Eastern Oregon, as temperatures drop and the cold air moves through. There is a possibility of light freezing rain. Here is the alert:
THIS WILL PRODUCE BREEZY CONDITIONS FOR THE AREA THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON. AN UPPER TROUGH WILL CONTINUE TO DIG SOUTH TOWARDS THE EASTERN PACIFIC THROUGH TONIGHT. STRONG SOUTHWEST FLOW ALOFT WILL KEEP SKIES MOSTLY CLOUDY. MEANWHILE LOW LEVEL MOISTURE WILL CONTINUE TO INCREASE WEST OF THE CASCADES. THIS MOISTURE WILL AFFECT THE CASCADE CREST REGION AND THE CASCADE EAST SLOPES...ESPECIALLY IN WASHINGTON THROUGH TONIGHT. SNOW LEVELS WILL RISE TONIGHT...EXPECTING RAIN TO BECOME THE MAIN TYPE OF PRECIPITATION. HOWEVER...THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF SOME LOCAL LIGHT FREEZING RAIN IF COLD AIR REMAINS TRAPPED IN SOME VALLEYS.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Storm could bring snow to Coast Range
http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/article_f88cf156-cf1e-11de-9f5b-001cc4c03286.html
Thursday, November 12, 2009 12:30 am
Ready or not, here comes winter.
A series of storms forecast to hit the state this week could bring snow to the Coast Range and will likely soak the Willamette Valley.
The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement Wednesday for the foothills of the Cascade and Coast ranges. According to the agency, three different storm systems are expected to hit the region in the next three days.
The first arrived Wednesday, bringing rain to Corvallis and snow flurries to the Cascades.
The next storm was predicted to move in Wednesday night and this morning, with the last following tonight and Friday.
Though most snow accumulation - 1 to 3 feet - is expected in higher elevations, snow levels could drop to between 1,500 and 2,500 feet tonight and Friday.
The Corvallis-area forecast calls for rain today and Friday, with highs of about 48 degrees.
Lows will drop to the mid-30s tonight and Friday night.
There is a chance of rain Saturday and Sunday. Sunday's high is expected to be in the low 50s.
The snow forecast for the mountains is good news for ski resorts.
Just two Oregon ski areas are currently open: Timberline Lodge and Mount Hood Meadows. Neither is operating all lifts.
Other ski areas that have announced anticipated opening dates are Hoodoo (Nov. 27), Mount Bachelor (Nov. 20) and Anthony Lakes (Nov. 27).
Anyone planning to drive over mountain passes this week should be prepared for winter conditions. Carry chains, extra clothing, and food and water.
To check road conditions, see www.tripcheck .com.
Thursday, November 12, 2009 12:30 am
Ready or not, here comes winter.
A series of storms forecast to hit the state this week could bring snow to the Coast Range and will likely soak the Willamette Valley.
The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement Wednesday for the foothills of the Cascade and Coast ranges. According to the agency, three different storm systems are expected to hit the region in the next three days.
The first arrived Wednesday, bringing rain to Corvallis and snow flurries to the Cascades.
The next storm was predicted to move in Wednesday night and this morning, with the last following tonight and Friday.
Though most snow accumulation - 1 to 3 feet - is expected in higher elevations, snow levels could drop to between 1,500 and 2,500 feet tonight and Friday.
The Corvallis-area forecast calls for rain today and Friday, with highs of about 48 degrees.
Lows will drop to the mid-30s tonight and Friday night.
There is a chance of rain Saturday and Sunday. Sunday's high is expected to be in the low 50s.
The snow forecast for the mountains is good news for ski resorts.
Just two Oregon ski areas are currently open: Timberline Lodge and Mount Hood Meadows. Neither is operating all lifts.
Other ski areas that have announced anticipated opening dates are Hoodoo (Nov. 27), Mount Bachelor (Nov. 20) and Anthony Lakes (Nov. 27).
Anyone planning to drive over mountain passes this week should be prepared for winter conditions. Carry chains, extra clothing, and food and water.
To check road conditions, see www.tripcheck .com.
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ADOPTION OF TSUNAMI SIREN SIGNALSPosted
November 12th, 2009 10:30 AM
Public hearings to adopt a uniform tsunami warning siren will be held this week in two coastal areas, announced Oregon Emergency Management today.
A team of specialists has been working on providing uniform, timely and accurate tsunami warning/notification to residents, employees and visitors along Oregon's coast. Based on Oregon Senate Bill 557, Section 2 the uniform tsunami warning signal administrative rules must specify type of signal, duration of signal, volume of signal and location of delivery device.
The work team has reviewed existing research and best practices on tsunami warning systems and decided on a uniform state standard that provides the necessary consistency to reduce potential conflicts and confusion. The objective of the tsunami statutes and implementing rules is to reduce the risk of loss of life.
Oregon Emergency Management is named as the responsible State Agency for carrying out the Administrative Rule development.
The first hearing will be held November 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the North Bend Community Health Education Center (CHEC), 2950 Sherman Avenue.
The second hearing will be held November 14 from 3 to 5p.m. at the Tillamook 9-1-1 Center, Stan Sheldon Board Room, 2311 Third Street.
The public is encouraged to attend.
Public hearings to adopt a uniform tsunami warning siren will be held this week in two coastal areas, announced Oregon Emergency Management today.
A team of specialists has been working on providing uniform, timely and accurate tsunami warning/notification to residents, employees and visitors along Oregon's coast. Based on Oregon Senate Bill 557, Section 2 the uniform tsunami warning signal administrative rules must specify type of signal, duration of signal, volume of signal and location of delivery device.
The work team has reviewed existing research and best practices on tsunami warning systems and decided on a uniform state standard that provides the necessary consistency to reduce potential conflicts and confusion. The objective of the tsunami statutes and implementing rules is to reduce the risk of loss of life.
Oregon Emergency Management is named as the responsible State Agency for carrying out the Administrative Rule development.
The first hearing will be held November 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the North Bend Community Health Education Center (CHEC), 2950 Sherman Avenue.
The second hearing will be held November 14 from 3 to 5p.m. at the Tillamook 9-1-1 Center, Stan Sheldon Board Room, 2311 Third Street.
The public is encouraged to attend.
Eastern Oregon Driving conditions
ODOT/Eastern Oregon: Watch for Black Ice - Numerous crashes have occurred in the Baker County area due to motorists losing control on black ice. Motorists are advised to drive with extra caution on the freeway and other roadways due to hazardous driving condition.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Veteran's Day - a FEMA salute to our servicemen and women
FEMA Salutes our Veterans Our nation's servicemen and women are among our best and brightest, during times of peace or war, serving with honor under the most difficult circumstances and making sacrifices for their country.
Our nation sets aside November 11th each year to honor the... nation's 23 million living veterans and the generations before them who fought to defend our freedom. I want to take this opportunity to recognize the thousands of veterans over the past 30 years who elected to continue serving their country by joining the FEMA team.
President Obama issued a proclamation in honor of the holiday that specifically mentioned the important work of this group of veterans. He said, “We also pay tribute to all who have worn the uniform and continue to serve their country as civilians. Many veterans act as coaches, teachers, and mentors in their communities, selflessly volunteering their time and expertise.” In addition, I applaud the many members of the FEMA family who also continue to serve in the National Guard and Reserves.
Whether serving in uniform or serving as a member of the FEMA team, these individuals share the goals of protecting our nation and loved ones from harms way. We acknowledge their contributions to our national security, and underscore the fact that ALL who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty.We also recognize and salute the many active duty service members and veterans in our partner agencies in federal, state, local and tribal organizations that share our emergency management goals. I know each of us, whether a veteran or not, knows a colleague who is a veteran.
I encourage you to recognize their valor and sacrifice in honor of Veteran’s Day. I urge you to begin with a simple, “thank you for your service.”Please visit our veteran’s tribute page at: http://www.fema.gov/about/veteransday/index.shtm and the Administrator’s video message at: http://online.fema.net
Our nation sets aside November 11th each year to honor the... nation's 23 million living veterans and the generations before them who fought to defend our freedom. I want to take this opportunity to recognize the thousands of veterans over the past 30 years who elected to continue serving their country by joining the FEMA team.
President Obama issued a proclamation in honor of the holiday that specifically mentioned the important work of this group of veterans. He said, “We also pay tribute to all who have worn the uniform and continue to serve their country as civilians. Many veterans act as coaches, teachers, and mentors in their communities, selflessly volunteering their time and expertise.” In addition, I applaud the many members of the FEMA family who also continue to serve in the National Guard and Reserves.
Whether serving in uniform or serving as a member of the FEMA team, these individuals share the goals of protecting our nation and loved ones from harms way. We acknowledge their contributions to our national security, and underscore the fact that ALL who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty.We also recognize and salute the many active duty service members and veterans in our partner agencies in federal, state, local and tribal organizations that share our emergency management goals. I know each of us, whether a veteran or not, knows a colleague who is a veteran.
I encourage you to recognize their valor and sacrifice in honor of Veteran’s Day. I urge you to begin with a simple, “thank you for your service.”Please visit our veteran’s tribute page at: http://www.fema.gov/about/veteransday/index.shtm and the Administrator’s video message at: http://online.fema.net
Monday, November 9, 2009
Douglas County gets more vacine for H1N1
More swine flu vaccine will soon be on its way to Douglas County and three clinics are planned this week to provide the vaccine to those who are most at risk of contracting swine flu, officially known as the H1N1 influenza.
As of Thursday, 8,100 doses of H1N1 vaccine have arrived in Douglas County, according to a news release. Douglas County Public Health expects another 3,100 doses to arrive sometime in the next week. The vaccine will be made available to registered H1N1 influenza providers and to people who are at greatest risk of contracting swine flu at three planned clinics. The priority groups, in no particular order: Those ages six months to 24 years old; pregnant women; people caring for, or living with, infants who are younger than six months of age; people from the ages of 25 to 64 who have health conditions that may put them at risk for complications from influenza — such as asthma, immune deficiencies, lung or heart disease and diabetes; health care workers and emergency medical service providers; law enforcement officers and firefighters who have frequent physical contact with the public as a part of their usual work; correction personnel in state prisons, local jails and juvenile correctional facilities who come into contact with adult or juvenile offenders; and public safety emergency telecommunications workers, including 911 call-takers and dispatchers.
The Roseburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, State Department of Corrections, Oregon National Guard, Oregon State Hospital and Oregon Youth Authority receive their own H1N1 vaccine allocations to vaccinate their respective populations.H1N1 flu symptoms are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu. They include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, headache, nausea, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting due to H1N1 flu.
Most people will recover on their own after a week or so of illness and don't need to see a doctor, the release said. In other cases, though, it might be necessary to seek medical attention.
People who have severe illness or are at high risk for flu complications should contact their health care providers, the release said. People who don't have access to health care may call the Oregon Flu Hotline at 1-800-978-3040 and talk with a health information specialist.
According to the CDC, people should only seek care in the emergency room if they are very sick, the release said. If you have the emergency warning signs of flu sickness, that's when you should go to the emergency room.
For more information, visit the following — Oregon Flu Web site, www.flu.oregon.gov or the county Health Department Web site, www.co.douglas.or.us/health — or call the Health Department Flu Info Line at 464-3815.
As of Thursday, 8,100 doses of H1N1 vaccine have arrived in Douglas County, according to a news release. Douglas County Public Health expects another 3,100 doses to arrive sometime in the next week. The vaccine will be made available to registered H1N1 influenza providers and to people who are at greatest risk of contracting swine flu at three planned clinics. The priority groups, in no particular order: Those ages six months to 24 years old; pregnant women; people caring for, or living with, infants who are younger than six months of age; people from the ages of 25 to 64 who have health conditions that may put them at risk for complications from influenza — such as asthma, immune deficiencies, lung or heart disease and diabetes; health care workers and emergency medical service providers; law enforcement officers and firefighters who have frequent physical contact with the public as a part of their usual work; correction personnel in state prisons, local jails and juvenile correctional facilities who come into contact with adult or juvenile offenders; and public safety emergency telecommunications workers, including 911 call-takers and dispatchers.
The Roseburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, State Department of Corrections, Oregon National Guard, Oregon State Hospital and Oregon Youth Authority receive their own H1N1 vaccine allocations to vaccinate their respective populations.H1N1 flu symptoms are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu. They include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, headache, nausea, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting due to H1N1 flu.
Most people will recover on their own after a week or so of illness and don't need to see a doctor, the release said. In other cases, though, it might be necessary to seek medical attention.
People who have severe illness or are at high risk for flu complications should contact their health care providers, the release said. People who don't have access to health care may call the Oregon Flu Hotline at 1-800-978-3040 and talk with a health information specialist.
According to the CDC, people should only seek care in the emergency room if they are very sick, the release said. If you have the emergency warning signs of flu sickness, that's when you should go to the emergency room.
For more information, visit the following — Oregon Flu Web site, www.flu.oregon.gov or the county Health Department Web site, www.co.douglas.or.us/health — or call the Health Department Flu Info Line at 464-3815.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Tornado Confirmed in Lincoln City (Update)
The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado touched down at Lincoln City on Friday. The tornado's winds reached 85 MPH and it left a 150 yard path of destruction. Monday, 9th - this tornado has been rated as an SF - 0 . Not big but interesting for Oregon anyway.
Oregon does not get very many tornadoes, but this is the second confirmed tornado in the last 12 months. It is important to know what to do. FEMA has more information on tornado safety:
Saturday, November 7, 2009
H1N1 Swine Flu Vacines in Douglas County
Swine flu continues to spread in Oregon, according to state and local officials. Four new clinics will be held this week and next to help vaccinate people most at risk of getting the illness officially known as the H1N1 flu.Between Sept. 1 and Oct. 30, there were 698 hospitalizations and 18 deaths in Oregon attributed to influenza, according to a Douglas County Health and Social Services news release.
Of those, 14 hospitalizations were in Douglas County, and one man, a county resident older than 65, died elsewhere.
Almost all the hospitalizations and deaths are from the swine flu, although some have been due to another strain of flu.Due to the limited number of local deaths and concerns for privacy, the Douglas County Public Health Department will not be releasing further information on the county resident who died, Public Health promotion manager Marilyn Carter said this morning.As of Thursday, 4,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine had arrived in the county to date.
Douglas County Public Health expects another 4,100 doses to arrive in the first week of November. Those doses will be made available to registered H1N1 vaccine providers and to priority groups at the four upcoming clinics.
The state Department of Human Services has asked county health departments to use at least 30 percent of their vaccine allocations to provide clinics for people in priority groups who are not served by an enrolled H1N1 vaccine provider or who are uninsured.The priority groups are: everyone aged six months to 24 years old; pregnant women; people caring for, or living with, infants who are younger than six months of age; people from the ages of 25 to 64 who have health conditions that may put them at risk for complications from influenza — such as asthma, immune deficiencies, lung or heart disease and diabetes; health care workers and emergency medical service providers; law enforcement officers and firefighters who have frequent physical contact with the public as a part of their usual work; correction personnel in state prisons, local jails and juvenile correctional facilities who come into contact with adult or juvenile offenders; and public safety emergency telecommunications workers, including 911 call-takers and dispatchers.
The state Department of Human Services also encourages those without insurance or with no regular health care provider to call the Oregon Flu Hotline, toll free at 1-800-978-3040, Carter said.Callers can reach a “real person,” Carter said. “They can ask about the vaccine. They can ask about symptoms.”Health information specialists answer the line from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.According to the Centers for Disease Control, people should only go to an emergency room if they are very sick and have the emergency warning signs of flu sickness.Dawnelle Marshall, division director of Douglas County Public Health, said emergency warning signs may vary with the age of the patient.
In young children especially, parents may notice their children having difficulty breathing, to the point at which they are using muscles in their shoulder, chest and diaphragm to breathe, she said.Emergency warning signs in adults include shortness of breath, Marshall said. People may experience their chest feeling heavy, and they may have a hard time catching their breath even without strenuous activity, she said.
In adults older than 65, emergency warning signs may include disorientation due to a fever or dehydration.Severe dehydration from any cause can be another emergency warning sign, Marshall said.For more information, visit the following — Oregon Flu Web site, http://www.flu.oregon.gov/ or the Health Department Web site, www.co.douglas.or.us/health — or call the Health Department Flu Info Line at 464-3815.
Of those, 14 hospitalizations were in Douglas County, and one man, a county resident older than 65, died elsewhere.
Almost all the hospitalizations and deaths are from the swine flu, although some have been due to another strain of flu.Due to the limited number of local deaths and concerns for privacy, the Douglas County Public Health Department will not be releasing further information on the county resident who died, Public Health promotion manager Marilyn Carter said this morning.As of Thursday, 4,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine had arrived in the county to date.
Douglas County Public Health expects another 4,100 doses to arrive in the first week of November. Those doses will be made available to registered H1N1 vaccine providers and to priority groups at the four upcoming clinics.
The state Department of Human Services has asked county health departments to use at least 30 percent of their vaccine allocations to provide clinics for people in priority groups who are not served by an enrolled H1N1 vaccine provider or who are uninsured.The priority groups are: everyone aged six months to 24 years old; pregnant women; people caring for, or living with, infants who are younger than six months of age; people from the ages of 25 to 64 who have health conditions that may put them at risk for complications from influenza — such as asthma, immune deficiencies, lung or heart disease and diabetes; health care workers and emergency medical service providers; law enforcement officers and firefighters who have frequent physical contact with the public as a part of their usual work; correction personnel in state prisons, local jails and juvenile correctional facilities who come into contact with adult or juvenile offenders; and public safety emergency telecommunications workers, including 911 call-takers and dispatchers.
The state Department of Human Services also encourages those without insurance or with no regular health care provider to call the Oregon Flu Hotline, toll free at 1-800-978-3040, Carter said.Callers can reach a “real person,” Carter said. “They can ask about the vaccine. They can ask about symptoms.”Health information specialists answer the line from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.According to the Centers for Disease Control, people should only go to an emergency room if they are very sick and have the emergency warning signs of flu sickness.Dawnelle Marshall, division director of Douglas County Public Health, said emergency warning signs may vary with the age of the patient.
In young children especially, parents may notice their children having difficulty breathing, to the point at which they are using muscles in their shoulder, chest and diaphragm to breathe, she said.Emergency warning signs in adults include shortness of breath, Marshall said. People may experience their chest feeling heavy, and they may have a hard time catching their breath even without strenuous activity, she said.
In adults older than 65, emergency warning signs may include disorientation due to a fever or dehydration.Severe dehydration from any cause can be another emergency warning sign, Marshall said.For more information, visit the following — Oregon Flu Web site, http://www.flu.oregon.gov/ or the Health Department Web site, www.co.douglas.or.us/health — or call the Health Department Flu Info Line at 464-3815.
Friday, November 6, 2009
High surf warning issued for North Coast
The Daily Astorian http://www.dailyastorian.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=398&ArticleID=65437
A high surf warning has been issued by the National Weather Service. Heavy surf will impact the Oregon Coast this weekend when a strong Pacific storm that will generate a very large west to northwest swell will reach the Oregon Coast today.
The warning will be in effect until 4 p.m. Sunday. Breaker heights will initially be around 20 feet this morning, but will build rapidly to around 30 to 35 feet this afternoon and evening. Breakers will subside to around 25 feet on Sunday. The heaviest surf will be on west to northwest facing coastlines.
A high surf warning indicates that battering waves will pound the shoreline. This will result in very dangerous swimming conditions and deadly rip currents. Avoid jetties and other exposed structures as these will likely be regularly inundated by the heavy surf.
The Coast Guard Captain of the Port has closed the Columbia River and Tillamook Bay bars Thursday because of hazardous conditions.
The bar closure is for all vessels and any request to transit the bars prior to reopening must be approved by the Captain of the Port, Portland.
Vessels are advised to divert to Yaquina Bay, or be prepared to remain at sea until the weather clears. Mariners may contact the Coast Guard on Channel 16 for further information or to request crossing.
It is expected the Captain of the Port will re-open the Columbia River and Tillamook Bay bars on or before 5 p.m. Sunday.
Coast Guard renews warning to mariners to prepare properly, stay safe
Mariners need to take the necessary steps to ensure their boats are properly secured.
The Coast Guard has received many reports of vessels adrift in the Northwest.
"With the high winds it is common for vessels to break free from their moorings. The Coast Guard responds to all of these cases, many times putting responders at risk in rough waters" said Petty Officer Daniel Sansom, a Search and Rescue Specialist at Coast Guard Sector Seattle.
Boaters, beach-goers and those living in areas with a potential for flooding should follow these guidelines to ensure their safety:
• Ensure you have a storm anchor. The anchor that comes with a boat is often inadequate for the storms in the Pacific Northwest. An improper or inadequate anchor can cause your boat to drift and may lead to unnecessary search and rescue calls.
• Check all of your anchor and mooring lines. Double the lines up for added strength. Ensure all lines and tackle are in good condition.
• Small boats should be removed from the water and moved to a secure location well above tidal and flood areas to ensure they are not washed out to sea.
• Cover your boat: Heavy rains can flood boats and even cause sinking in extreme cases. Protect your boat and be sure your vessel is adequately covered when it is moored up to prevent flooding. If you can't bring your boat onto shore, make sure it is securely fastened to its dock. Vessels that break free from their moorings can become a hazard to navigation and endanger the lives of those who must retrieve them.
• Ensure boat registration numbers are updated with correct owner information. Consider keeping owner contact information on vessel itself. With this information, agencies responding to adrift vessels can promptly return the vessel to its owner.
• Wear Personal Floatation Devices: Life jackets - bring one for each person. History has shown that the chance of survival greatly increaes if an individual is wearing a personal floatation device. For more information on life jacket requirements visit: http://www.uscgboating.org/command/initiative/jacket.htm
• Check river bar conditions before departing. Boaters should check closure information and current bar restrictions by contacting your local Coast Guard unit. http://www.uscg.mil/d13/bar/default.asp
• Exercise extreme caution on beaches and jetties: Sudden, powerful waves can engulf the entire beach, knocking people down or throwing them violently against nearby rocks. Once in the water, strong currents can pull people out to sea. Beachgoers should also stay away from driftwood floating in the water or resting on shore. Logs can weigh several tons and can quickly be picked up by an unexpected wave and tossed onto people. Jetties are also dangerous due to unstable surfaces and slippery conditions. Large gaps in jetty structures can also trap people who slip and fall while walking on the rocks. Be aware of rising tides - high tides can trap people on rock formations and in coves. Always let someone know where you are going, walk with a buddy and be weather and surf aware.
• Have a Marine Radio: Investing in a good VHF radio is a smart purchase. Cell phones should not be used as a primary means of emergency communication on the water where reception may be poor or unavailable. A VHF radio has a strong signal and distress calls are received by everyone monitoring a VHF radio in range, whereas cell phone communications are point-to-point. Use VHF Channel 16 for emergencies.
• For more in-depth information about radios and terminology visit the link below. http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/metlife/radio.htm
• Float Plan: A float plan is a written statement of the details of an intended voyage usually filed with a friend, neighbor and/or marina operator or; a document that specifically describes the vessel, equipment, crew, and itinerary of a planned voyage. Leave a copy with a friend, relative or local marina before heading out on the water. If a vessel has an emergency or is overdue, pertinent information will be available to provide local marine police or the Coast Guard. If delayed, boaters should inform those with the float plan, and be sure to notify them upon returning so the float plan can be "closed out" and an unnecessary and costly search avoided. An example of a float plan can be found at http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/fedreqs/floatplan.pdf.
• Minimize contact with flood water - Standing water from flooding can carry diseases and hazardous chemicals. If you get your water from a well and water floods into your pump house - check to see if water from the ground went down your well. If so, or if you're not sure, boil your water before using it for drinking or cooking for yourself or your pets. If water floods your septic system, minimize your use of water for washing and wait for the water level to drop. If you come in contact with standing water, wash carefully before you eat or drink.
• Assemble a disaster preparedness kit - a good disaster kit should include: a first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and a can opener, at least three gallons of water per person, protective clothing, rain gear, and bedding or sleeping bags, battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries, special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members, written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so (remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
• Stay high and dry - move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades, they are there for your safety. If your car stalls in rapidly rising wters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
• If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
• Check Local Weather Forecasts: Be aware that storms can come up quickly and several are forecast this week. Always check local weather conditions and forecasts before heading out. If you must go out, monitor current forecasts, warnings and conditions via National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio. There are 14 NOAA Weather Radio stations broadcasting along the Oregon and Washington coasts.
A high surf warning has been issued by the National Weather Service. Heavy surf will impact the Oregon Coast this weekend when a strong Pacific storm that will generate a very large west to northwest swell will reach the Oregon Coast today.
The warning will be in effect until 4 p.m. Sunday. Breaker heights will initially be around 20 feet this morning, but will build rapidly to around 30 to 35 feet this afternoon and evening. Breakers will subside to around 25 feet on Sunday. The heaviest surf will be on west to northwest facing coastlines.
A high surf warning indicates that battering waves will pound the shoreline. This will result in very dangerous swimming conditions and deadly rip currents. Avoid jetties and other exposed structures as these will likely be regularly inundated by the heavy surf.
The Coast Guard Captain of the Port has closed the Columbia River and Tillamook Bay bars Thursday because of hazardous conditions.
The bar closure is for all vessels and any request to transit the bars prior to reopening must be approved by the Captain of the Port, Portland.
Vessels are advised to divert to Yaquina Bay, or be prepared to remain at sea until the weather clears. Mariners may contact the Coast Guard on Channel 16 for further information or to request crossing.
It is expected the Captain of the Port will re-open the Columbia River and Tillamook Bay bars on or before 5 p.m. Sunday.
Coast Guard renews warning to mariners to prepare properly, stay safe
Mariners need to take the necessary steps to ensure their boats are properly secured.
The Coast Guard has received many reports of vessels adrift in the Northwest.
"With the high winds it is common for vessels to break free from their moorings. The Coast Guard responds to all of these cases, many times putting responders at risk in rough waters" said Petty Officer Daniel Sansom, a Search and Rescue Specialist at Coast Guard Sector Seattle.
Boaters, beach-goers and those living in areas with a potential for flooding should follow these guidelines to ensure their safety:
• Ensure you have a storm anchor. The anchor that comes with a boat is often inadequate for the storms in the Pacific Northwest. An improper or inadequate anchor can cause your boat to drift and may lead to unnecessary search and rescue calls.
• Check all of your anchor and mooring lines. Double the lines up for added strength. Ensure all lines and tackle are in good condition.
• Small boats should be removed from the water and moved to a secure location well above tidal and flood areas to ensure they are not washed out to sea.
• Cover your boat: Heavy rains can flood boats and even cause sinking in extreme cases. Protect your boat and be sure your vessel is adequately covered when it is moored up to prevent flooding. If you can't bring your boat onto shore, make sure it is securely fastened to its dock. Vessels that break free from their moorings can become a hazard to navigation and endanger the lives of those who must retrieve them.
• Ensure boat registration numbers are updated with correct owner information. Consider keeping owner contact information on vessel itself. With this information, agencies responding to adrift vessels can promptly return the vessel to its owner.
• Wear Personal Floatation Devices: Life jackets - bring one for each person. History has shown that the chance of survival greatly increaes if an individual is wearing a personal floatation device. For more information on life jacket requirements visit: http://www.uscgboating.org/command/initiative/jacket.htm
• Check river bar conditions before departing. Boaters should check closure information and current bar restrictions by contacting your local Coast Guard unit. http://www.uscg.mil/d13/bar/default.asp
• Exercise extreme caution on beaches and jetties: Sudden, powerful waves can engulf the entire beach, knocking people down or throwing them violently against nearby rocks. Once in the water, strong currents can pull people out to sea. Beachgoers should also stay away from driftwood floating in the water or resting on shore. Logs can weigh several tons and can quickly be picked up by an unexpected wave and tossed onto people. Jetties are also dangerous due to unstable surfaces and slippery conditions. Large gaps in jetty structures can also trap people who slip and fall while walking on the rocks. Be aware of rising tides - high tides can trap people on rock formations and in coves. Always let someone know where you are going, walk with a buddy and be weather and surf aware.
• Have a Marine Radio: Investing in a good VHF radio is a smart purchase. Cell phones should not be used as a primary means of emergency communication on the water where reception may be poor or unavailable. A VHF radio has a strong signal and distress calls are received by everyone monitoring a VHF radio in range, whereas cell phone communications are point-to-point. Use VHF Channel 16 for emergencies.
• For more in-depth information about radios and terminology visit the link below. http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/metlife/radio.htm
• Float Plan: A float plan is a written statement of the details of an intended voyage usually filed with a friend, neighbor and/or marina operator or; a document that specifically describes the vessel, equipment, crew, and itinerary of a planned voyage. Leave a copy with a friend, relative or local marina before heading out on the water. If a vessel has an emergency or is overdue, pertinent information will be available to provide local marine police or the Coast Guard. If delayed, boaters should inform those with the float plan, and be sure to notify them upon returning so the float plan can be "closed out" and an unnecessary and costly search avoided. An example of a float plan can be found at http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/fedreqs/floatplan.pdf.
• Minimize contact with flood water - Standing water from flooding can carry diseases and hazardous chemicals. If you get your water from a well and water floods into your pump house - check to see if water from the ground went down your well. If so, or if you're not sure, boil your water before using it for drinking or cooking for yourself or your pets. If water floods your septic system, minimize your use of water for washing and wait for the water level to drop. If you come in contact with standing water, wash carefully before you eat or drink.
• Assemble a disaster preparedness kit - a good disaster kit should include: a first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and a can opener, at least three gallons of water per person, protective clothing, rain gear, and bedding or sleeping bags, battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries, special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members, written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so (remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
• Stay high and dry - move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades, they are there for your safety. If your car stalls in rapidly rising wters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
• If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
• Check Local Weather Forecasts: Be aware that storms can come up quickly and several are forecast this week. Always check local weather conditions and forecasts before heading out. If you must go out, monitor current forecasts, warnings and conditions via National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio. There are 14 NOAA Weather Radio stations broadcasting along the Oregon and Washington coasts.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Winter Weather Advisory
..WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS
EVENING TO 4 AM PST SUNDAY FOR THE CASCADES OF SOUTH
WASHINGTON...NORTH OREGON AND LANE COUNTY...
A STRONG PACIFIC FRONTAL SYSTEM ALONG THE COAST WILL TRACK INLAND THIS
EVENING BRINGING WET AND WINDY CONDITIONS TO THE CASCADES FOLLOWED
BY RAPIDLY FALLING SNOW LEVELS. AS PRECIPITATION RATES INCREASE
THIS EVENING SNOW LEVELS INITIALLY RANGING BETWEEN 6000 AND 7000 FT
WILL FALL TO 3500 FT NORTH AND 4500 FT SOUTH THROUGH FRIDAY
MORNING. 6 TO 10 INCHES OF NEW SNOW ARE EXPECTED TO FALL OVERNIGHT.
STRONG ONSHORE FLOW COMBINED WITH COLD UNSTABLE AIR ALOFT WILL
ENHANCE POST FRONTAL SNOW SHOWERS FRIDAY THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT
WITH SNOW LEVELS BETWEEN 3000 AND 4000 FT. SEVERAL SHORTWAVE
TROUGHS ROTATING INLAND OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS WILL INCREASE
SNOW FALL RATES AT TIMES BUT ON AVERAGE SNOW FALL RATES ARE
EXPECTED TO RANGE BETWEEN 4 TO 8 INCHES OF SNOW PER 12 HOUR PERIOD
BRINGING STORM TOTALS OF 2 TO 3 FEET OF NEW SNOW THROUGH SATURDAY
NIGHT.
..HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PST THIS EVENING FOR THE
NORTH AND CENTRAL OREGON COAST...
A STRONG COLD FRONT IS MOVING TOWARDS THE COAST THIS AFTERNOON AND WILL
MOVE ONSHORE AROUND 9 PM THIS EVENING. AS THE FRONT APPROACHES...SOUTH
WINDS OF 30 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 65 MPH WILL OCCUR.
AFTER THE FRONT MOVES ONSHORE TONIGHT...WINDS WILL DECREASE FROM THE NORTH
TO SOUTH.
A COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON.
A HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 4 PM PST
SATURDAY.
LARGE SWELL GENERATED BY A STORM IN THE GULF OF ALASKA WILL BUILD TONIGHT
THROUGH FRIDAY AND CONTINUE THROUGH SATURDAY...BRINGING HIGH SURF
CONDITIONS TO THE COAST. THE LARGEST SEAS ARE EXPECTED TO ARRIVE FRIDAY
AFTERNOON. HAZARDS FROM HIGH SURF CONDITIONS ALONG THE SHORELINE WILL BE
ENHANCED DURING THE HIGH TIDES AROUND 3 TO 4 PM IN THE AFTERNOON FRIDAY
AND SATURDAY.
HIGH TIDE OF 10.3 FT AND AN ANOMALY OF AROUND 1 FOOT WILL BRING THE HIGH
TIDE LEVEL TO AROUND 11.1 FT THIS AFTERNOON. AT THIS LEVEL...MINOR
FLOODING IS EXPECTED IN AND NEAR THE TOWN OF RAYMOND.
TIDES WILL BE LOWER AT SUBSEQUENT HIGH TIDES. CONSULT LOCAL TIDE TABLES
FOR TIMES AND HEIGHTS OF TIDES IN YOUR AREA.
A HIGH SURF ADVISORY MEANS THAT HIGH SURF WILL AFFECT BEACHES IN THE
ADVISORY AREA...PRODUCING RIP CURRENTS AND LOCALIZED BEACH EROSION.
EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION ALONG BEACHES. UNPREDICTABLE AND DESTRUCTIVE
WAVES MAY WASH OVER BEACHES...JETTIES AND OTHER STRUCTURES WITH NO
WARNING. BEACH EROSION IS POSSIBLE. THIS IS NOT A TIME TO BE NEAR THE
WATER.
EVENING TO 4 AM PST SUNDAY FOR THE CASCADES OF SOUTH
WASHINGTON...NORTH OREGON AND LANE COUNTY...
A STRONG PACIFIC FRONTAL SYSTEM ALONG THE COAST WILL TRACK INLAND THIS
EVENING BRINGING WET AND WINDY CONDITIONS TO THE CASCADES FOLLOWED
BY RAPIDLY FALLING SNOW LEVELS. AS PRECIPITATION RATES INCREASE
THIS EVENING SNOW LEVELS INITIALLY RANGING BETWEEN 6000 AND 7000 FT
WILL FALL TO 3500 FT NORTH AND 4500 FT SOUTH THROUGH FRIDAY
MORNING. 6 TO 10 INCHES OF NEW SNOW ARE EXPECTED TO FALL OVERNIGHT.
STRONG ONSHORE FLOW COMBINED WITH COLD UNSTABLE AIR ALOFT WILL
ENHANCE POST FRONTAL SNOW SHOWERS FRIDAY THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT
WITH SNOW LEVELS BETWEEN 3000 AND 4000 FT. SEVERAL SHORTWAVE
TROUGHS ROTATING INLAND OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS WILL INCREASE
SNOW FALL RATES AT TIMES BUT ON AVERAGE SNOW FALL RATES ARE
EXPECTED TO RANGE BETWEEN 4 TO 8 INCHES OF SNOW PER 12 HOUR PERIOD
BRINGING STORM TOTALS OF 2 TO 3 FEET OF NEW SNOW THROUGH SATURDAY
NIGHT.
..HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PST THIS EVENING FOR THE
NORTH AND CENTRAL OREGON COAST...
A STRONG COLD FRONT IS MOVING TOWARDS THE COAST THIS AFTERNOON AND WILL
MOVE ONSHORE AROUND 9 PM THIS EVENING. AS THE FRONT APPROACHES...SOUTH
WINDS OF 30 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 65 MPH WILL OCCUR.
AFTER THE FRONT MOVES ONSHORE TONIGHT...WINDS WILL DECREASE FROM THE NORTH
TO SOUTH.
A COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON.
A HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 4 PM PST
SATURDAY.
LARGE SWELL GENERATED BY A STORM IN THE GULF OF ALASKA WILL BUILD TONIGHT
THROUGH FRIDAY AND CONTINUE THROUGH SATURDAY...BRINGING HIGH SURF
CONDITIONS TO THE COAST. THE LARGEST SEAS ARE EXPECTED TO ARRIVE FRIDAY
AFTERNOON. HAZARDS FROM HIGH SURF CONDITIONS ALONG THE SHORELINE WILL BE
ENHANCED DURING THE HIGH TIDES AROUND 3 TO 4 PM IN THE AFTERNOON FRIDAY
AND SATURDAY.
HIGH TIDE OF 10.3 FT AND AN ANOMALY OF AROUND 1 FOOT WILL BRING THE HIGH
TIDE LEVEL TO AROUND 11.1 FT THIS AFTERNOON. AT THIS LEVEL...MINOR
FLOODING IS EXPECTED IN AND NEAR THE TOWN OF RAYMOND.
TIDES WILL BE LOWER AT SUBSEQUENT HIGH TIDES. CONSULT LOCAL TIDE TABLES
FOR TIMES AND HEIGHTS OF TIDES IN YOUR AREA.
A HIGH SURF ADVISORY MEANS THAT HIGH SURF WILL AFFECT BEACHES IN THE
ADVISORY AREA...PRODUCING RIP CURRENTS AND LOCALIZED BEACH EROSION.
EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION ALONG BEACHES. UNPREDICTABLE AND DESTRUCTIVE
WAVES MAY WASH OVER BEACHES...JETTIES AND OTHER STRUCTURES WITH NO
WARNING. BEACH EROSION IS POSSIBLE. THIS IS NOT A TIME TO BE NEAR THE
WATER.
Ready now, Steady later
Preparing for a disaster is one of those projects it's easy to put off. Don't wait; do it now. Rarely do you get a warning that a disaster is on its way in time to do much about it. At worst, planning ahead can make the difference between surviving or not. At the least, an emergency kit and a clear plan will help your family and neighbors be more comfortable while you wait it out.
Oregon is vulnerable to vaious types of natural hazards, from severe winter storms to earthquakes and floods. We also need to be prepared for thereats from aiforne chemicals, fires, tainted water or acts of aggression.
Many regional and national organizations have web sites, blogs and other communications dedicated to disaster preparedness. Oregon Emergency Management suggests you visit www.ready.gov for information about "Sheltering in Place," prepareing a 72 hour kit and making a disaster plan. There are diagrams and lists you can review and print out to help. The Red Cross also has a very useful site, www.oregonredcross.org. Check your local emergency management agencies for twitters and blogs like this one.
OEM's twitter is www.twitter.com/baileyjn. This is where we will post emergency information during disasters and education information when things are calmer.
Oregon is vulnerable to vaious types of natural hazards, from severe winter storms to earthquakes and floods. We also need to be prepared for thereats from aiforne chemicals, fires, tainted water or acts of aggression.
Many regional and national organizations have web sites, blogs and other communications dedicated to disaster preparedness. Oregon Emergency Management suggests you visit www.ready.gov for information about "Sheltering in Place," prepareing a 72 hour kit and making a disaster plan. There are diagrams and lists you can review and print out to help. The Red Cross also has a very useful site, www.oregonredcross.org. Check your local emergency management agencies for twitters and blogs like this one.
OEM's twitter is www.twitter.com/baileyjn. This is where we will post emergency information during disasters and education information when things are calmer.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
More Weather news
NORTHERN OREGON CASCADES-CASCADES IN LANE COUNTY- SOUTH WASHINGTON CASCADES- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...GOVERNMENT CAMP...DETROIT...
SANTIAM PASS...MCKENZIE BRIDGE...OAKRIDGE...WILLAMETTE PASS...
COLDWATER RIDGE VISITORS CENTER...MOUNT ST. HELENS
..SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL OVER THE CASCADES IS EXPECTED FRIDAY AND SATURDAY...
A STRONG LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL RAPIDLY STRENGTHEN INTO A POWERFUL STORM TODAY AND THURSDAY. WHILE THE CENTER OF THIS LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN IN THE GULF OF ALASKA...IT WILL PUSH A STRONG COLD FRONT ONSHORE INTO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST THURSDAY.
SNOW LEVELS WILL START OFF WELL ABOVE THE CASCADE PASSES EARLY THURSDAY...BUT ARE EXPECTED TO FALL QUICKLY AS THE FRONT MOVES ACROSS THE CASCADES THURSDAY EVENING. BY FRIDAY MORNING...
ACCUMULATING SNOW IS POSSIBLE AS LOW AS SOME OF THE CASCADE PASSES. WITH COOL UNSETTLED WEATHER EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR SEVERAL DAYS BEHIND THE FRONT...SNOW SHOWERS MAY CONTINUE THROUGH THE WEEKEND AS LOW AS 3000 TO 4000 FEET IN ELEVATION.
POTENTIAL SNOWFALL OF 2 TO 4 FEET ARE POSSIBLE AT AND ABOVE THE PASSES FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY...WITH THE HEAVIEST ACCUMULATIONS EXPECTED ABOVE THE PASSES.
SANTIAM PASS...MCKENZIE BRIDGE...OAKRIDGE...WILLAMETTE PASS...
COLDWATER RIDGE VISITORS CENTER...MOUNT ST. HELENS
..SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL OVER THE CASCADES IS EXPECTED FRIDAY AND SATURDAY...
A STRONG LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL RAPIDLY STRENGTHEN INTO A POWERFUL STORM TODAY AND THURSDAY. WHILE THE CENTER OF THIS LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN IN THE GULF OF ALASKA...IT WILL PUSH A STRONG COLD FRONT ONSHORE INTO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST THURSDAY.
SNOW LEVELS WILL START OFF WELL ABOVE THE CASCADE PASSES EARLY THURSDAY...BUT ARE EXPECTED TO FALL QUICKLY AS THE FRONT MOVES ACROSS THE CASCADES THURSDAY EVENING. BY FRIDAY MORNING...
ACCUMULATING SNOW IS POSSIBLE AS LOW AS SOME OF THE CASCADE PASSES. WITH COOL UNSETTLED WEATHER EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR SEVERAL DAYS BEHIND THE FRONT...SNOW SHOWERS MAY CONTINUE THROUGH THE WEEKEND AS LOW AS 3000 TO 4000 FEET IN ELEVATION.
POTENTIAL SNOWFALL OF 2 TO 4 FEET ARE POSSIBLE AT AND ABOVE THE PASSES FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY...WITH THE HEAVIEST ACCUMULATIONS EXPECTED ABOVE THE PASSES.
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PORTLAND OR
342 AM PST WED NOV 4 2009
ORZ001>004-WAZ020-021-050500-
NORTH OREGON COAST-CENTRAL OREGON COAST-
COAST RANGE OF NORTHWEST OREGON-
CENTRAL COAST RANGE OF WESTERN OREGON-WILLAPA HILLS-
SOUTH WASHINGTON COAST-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ASTORIA...CANNON BEACH...TILLAMOOK...
LINCOLN CITY...NEWPORT...FLORENCE...VERNONIA...JEWELL...TRASK...
GRANDE RONDE...TIDEWATER...SWISSHOME...FRANCES...RYDERWOOD...
RAYMOND...LONG BEACH...CATHLAMET
342 AM PST WED NOV 4 2009
...WIND...RAIN...AND HEAVY SEAS TO ARRIVE LATER THURSDAY...
A STRONG LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL RAPIDLY STRENGTHEN INTO A
POWERFUL STORM TODAY AND THURSDAY. WHILE THE CENTER OF THIS LOW
PRESSURE SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN IN THE GULF OF ALASKA...IT
WILL PUSH A STRONG COLD FRONT ONSHORE INTO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
THURSDAY.
WINDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FRONT MAY GUST AS HIGH AS 50 TO 60 MPH
NEAR THE BEACHES AND COASTAL HEADLANDS LATER THURSDAY...AS WELL AS
ACROSS THE HIGHER TERRAIN OF THE COAST RANGE. THE FRONT WILL
LIKELY BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PERIOD OF HEAVY RAIN...WHERE WHERE 1 TO
3 INCHES OR RAIN ARE POSSIBLE THURSDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT. RAIN
CONTINUES AT TIMES INTO SATURDAY...WITH AN ADDITIONAL 1 TO 2
INCHES OF RAIN EXPECTED.
ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT ASPECT OF THE GULF OF ALASKA STORM SYSTEM WILL
BE THE VERY LARGE OCEAN SWELL EXPECTED TO DEVELOP AS THE STORM
STRENGTHENS. THIS SWELL MAY BEGIN IMPACTING THE SOUTH WASHINGTON
AND NORTH OREGON COAST WITH HIGH SURF AS EARLY AS THURSDAY
MORNING...AS SWELL OF 25 TO 30 FEET WILL CREATE CHAOTIC SURF ZONE
THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY. THE HEAVY SURF MAY PROVIDE THE
POSSIBILITY FOR MINOR COASTAL FLOODING DURING HIGH TIDE...AND THE
LARGE BREAKERS MAY PRODUCE HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS ALONG THE BEACHES.
342 AM PST WED NOV 4 2009
ORZ001>004-WAZ020-021-050500-
NORTH OREGON COAST-CENTRAL OREGON COAST-
COAST RANGE OF NORTHWEST OREGON-
CENTRAL COAST RANGE OF WESTERN OREGON-WILLAPA HILLS-
SOUTH WASHINGTON COAST-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ASTORIA...CANNON BEACH...TILLAMOOK...
LINCOLN CITY...NEWPORT...FLORENCE...VERNONIA...JEWELL...TRASK...
GRANDE RONDE...TIDEWATER...SWISSHOME...FRANCES...RYDERWOOD...
RAYMOND...LONG BEACH...CATHLAMET
342 AM PST WED NOV 4 2009
...WIND...RAIN...AND HEAVY SEAS TO ARRIVE LATER THURSDAY...
A STRONG LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL RAPIDLY STRENGTHEN INTO A
POWERFUL STORM TODAY AND THURSDAY. WHILE THE CENTER OF THIS LOW
PRESSURE SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN IN THE GULF OF ALASKA...IT
WILL PUSH A STRONG COLD FRONT ONSHORE INTO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
THURSDAY.
WINDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FRONT MAY GUST AS HIGH AS 50 TO 60 MPH
NEAR THE BEACHES AND COASTAL HEADLANDS LATER THURSDAY...AS WELL AS
ACROSS THE HIGHER TERRAIN OF THE COAST RANGE. THE FRONT WILL
LIKELY BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PERIOD OF HEAVY RAIN...WHERE WHERE 1 TO
3 INCHES OR RAIN ARE POSSIBLE THURSDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT. RAIN
CONTINUES AT TIMES INTO SATURDAY...WITH AN ADDITIONAL 1 TO 2
INCHES OF RAIN EXPECTED.
ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT ASPECT OF THE GULF OF ALASKA STORM SYSTEM WILL
BE THE VERY LARGE OCEAN SWELL EXPECTED TO DEVELOP AS THE STORM
STRENGTHENS. THIS SWELL MAY BEGIN IMPACTING THE SOUTH WASHINGTON
AND NORTH OREGON COAST WITH HIGH SURF AS EARLY AS THURSDAY
MORNING...AS SWELL OF 25 TO 30 FEET WILL CREATE CHAOTIC SURF ZONE
THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY. THE HEAVY SURF MAY PROVIDE THE
POSSIBILITY FOR MINOR COASTAL FLOODING DURING HIGH TIDE...AND THE
LARGE BREAKERS MAY PRODUCE HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS ALONG THE BEACHES.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
National Veterans Awareness Week
On October 30th, Governor Kulongoski made a proclamation declaring November 9th - November 15th to be National Veterans Awareness Week. Here is the proclamation:
Monday, November 2, 2009
Winter Weather
...Enjoy the great outdoors in the Pacific Northwest this winter season, but keep and eye or ear on the changeable weather...The National Weather Service issues a variety of winter weather watches, advisories and warnings.
Always check the latest weather forecast before heading out and take the warnings issued by the National Weather Service seriously. Before winter weather threatens this season, you should prepare a winter safety kit for you vehicle. Such kits are also available at many retail and auto supply stores.
Remember, if you become stranded on the roads during a storm, run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat, but keep the window open a bit for ventilation. Also, keep the exhaust pipe clear of obstruction to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Finally, make yourself visible to rescuers by turning on the dome light at night while running the motor.
Avoid overexertion when outdoors. Heart attacks can kill during and after storms, because shoveling snow or freeing stuck vehicles can be quite stressful.
A valuable companion when heading out this cold season is a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio, the voice of the National Weather Service. It provides you with the latest weather conditions and forecasts. You can purchase such radios at many local electronics or department stores, and over the internet.
Use the 511 phone and internet traveler information services provided by state transportation departments to info on road conditions, road work, vehicle restrictions, and road closures, before you travel.
Finally, if you need more information on winter weather safety, winter weather brochures, or NOAA Weather Radio, please contact your nearest National Weather Service office by phone, or by web.
For questions about local Severe Weather Preparedness, contact your local NOAA National Weather Service Office:
local office
on the web at...
contact by phone
Medford
weather.gov/medford
541-773-1067
Seattle
weather.gov/seattle
206-526-6087
Spokane
weather.gov/spokane
509-244-6395
Pendleton
weather.gov/pendleton
541-276-4493
Portland
weather.gov/portland
503-261-9246
Boise
weather.gov/boise
208-334-9861
Pocatello
weather.gov/pocatello
208-233-0834
Missoula
weather.gov/missoula
406-329-4840
Always check the latest weather forecast before heading out and take the warnings issued by the National Weather Service seriously. Before winter weather threatens this season, you should prepare a winter safety kit for you vehicle. Such kits are also available at many retail and auto supply stores.
Remember, if you become stranded on the roads during a storm, run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat, but keep the window open a bit for ventilation. Also, keep the exhaust pipe clear of obstruction to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Finally, make yourself visible to rescuers by turning on the dome light at night while running the motor.
Avoid overexertion when outdoors. Heart attacks can kill during and after storms, because shoveling snow or freeing stuck vehicles can be quite stressful.
A valuable companion when heading out this cold season is a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio, the voice of the National Weather Service. It provides you with the latest weather conditions and forecasts. You can purchase such radios at many local electronics or department stores, and over the internet.
Use the 511 phone and internet traveler information services provided by state transportation departments to info on road conditions, road work, vehicle restrictions, and road closures, before you travel.
Finally, if you need more information on winter weather safety, winter weather brochures, or NOAA Weather Radio, please contact your nearest National Weather Service office by phone, or by web.
For questions about local Severe Weather Preparedness, contact your local NOAA National Weather Service Office:
local office
on the web at...
contact by phone
Medford
weather.gov/medford
541-773-1067
Seattle
weather.gov/seattle
206-526-6087
Spokane
weather.gov/spokane
509-244-6395
Pendleton
weather.gov/pendleton
541-276-4493
Portland
weather.gov/portland
503-261-9246
Boise
weather.gov/boise
208-334-9861
Pocatello
weather.gov/pocatello
208-233-0834
Missoula
weather.gov/missoula
406-329-4840
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