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.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
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
Friday, October 30, 2009
Swine Flu Vaccine
H1N1 Vaccine Locations
http://www.koinlocal6.com/content/news/topstories/story/Swine-Flu-Central/Nt_5K7msDUSkmTN0bXC1ag.cspx?rss=1100
The H1N1 vaccine continues to trickle into the state. So far, Oregon has received about 6 percent of the vaccine necessary for the people in priority groups, which accounts for about half of Oregon's population, according to reports.
Five private manufacturers are delivering the vaccine around the country as soon as it is produced. In Oregon, counties and tribes request the supply and decide how to distribute it to individual health care providers and clinics. The amount of vaccine is allocated to counties on a per-capita basis.
For most people, a case H1N1 flu is no worse than seasonal flu, lasting about 7-10 days with the vast majority of people getting better without seeking medical attention.
Since Sept. 1, 2009, 482 people in 24 counties have been hospitalized in Oregon with influenza-like illness; 15 people in eight counties have died.
Oregon Public Health has activated the emergency operations center full time to coordinate the state's response to pandemic H1N1 and ensure that the most up-to-date information is available. The center is working closely with local health departments and monitoring hospital capacity and supplies.
Hospitals and health care providers in some Oregon counties have experienced a surge of patients, but so far there is enough capacity to care for people with symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization. On Oct. 26, President Obama declared a national state of emergency in response to pandemic H1N1. This action allows hospitals to waive certain regulatory requirements so they can respond better to the emergency, such as making it easier to transfer patients between facilities.
The Columbia Health District will hold a walk-in clinic for free H1N1 (swine flu) vaccinations Friday at the public health office, 2370 Gable Road in St. Helens, Ore. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or until the vaccine runs out. Both nasal spray and injectable vaccines are available. Priority will be given to people considered at greatest risk from H1N1:
• Pregnant women
• Caregivers for children under 6 months of age
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel, such as firefighters, law enforcement officers
• Children 6 months through 18 years of age
• Young adults 19 through 24 years of age
Adults age 25 through 64 who have higher risk health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, chronic heart disease, compromised immune system or liver or kidney disease.
Swine Flu Emergency Reshapes Hospital Plans
PORTLAND- The national emergency declaration by President Barack Obama has little to do with the speed the H1N1 vaccine wil be produced and distributed. But it does affect the way medical centers are able to treat patients.
The declaration loosens some federal regulations regarding patient privacy, access to care, and the movement of patients from one facility to another.
Leaders at Legacy Health System have been discussing emergency treatment options for some time. They met Monday to make potential plans that the declaration allows.
"It allows hospitals, nursing homes all kinds of medical facilities all kinds of alternatives to deal with what could be burgeoning patient loads", according to Brian Terrett, Legacy's Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications.
The tents that are set up outside Legacy Emmanuel and other medical centers are an example of what the declaration allows more easily: patient privacy regulations being eased means a triage center can be set up in a more public place like a parking lot.
The declaration could allow patient treatment centers in places as large as a warehouse or even Memorial Coliseum. For now, Legacy is looking at smaller venues. A corner building next to Good Samaritan Hospital has a vacancy; the former FedEx Kinkos could become an H1N1 patient center under the emergency declaration, if Legacy decides it needs it. For now, it doesn't.
H1N1 Vaccine: By Appointment Only
SALEM -Marion County received its first supply of the H1N1 vaccine earlier this month.
Now, it's beginning to distribute the supply. Instead of long lines and frustrated patients, the county is taking appointments to schedule its distribution.
Right now, the county is asking people to call your health care provider first to see if it's distributing the vaccine too. If not, Marion County says the H1N1 vaccine is only available to people in the high risk priority groups.
If you're pregnant, care for children younger than 6 months old, all children between 6 months-24 years old, or adults with chronic illness are considered to be among the highest risk.
Marion County will begin taking more appointments, by phone, beginning at 8:30 AM Monday morning.
H1N1 Vaccine Appointment Phone Number: 503-584-4870.
http://www.koinlocal6.com/content/news/topstories/story/Swine-Flu-Central/Nt_5K7msDUSkmTN0bXC1ag.cspx?rss=1100
The H1N1 vaccine continues to trickle into the state. So far, Oregon has received about 6 percent of the vaccine necessary for the people in priority groups, which accounts for about half of Oregon's population, according to reports.
Five private manufacturers are delivering the vaccine around the country as soon as it is produced. In Oregon, counties and tribes request the supply and decide how to distribute it to individual health care providers and clinics. The amount of vaccine is allocated to counties on a per-capita basis.
For most people, a case H1N1 flu is no worse than seasonal flu, lasting about 7-10 days with the vast majority of people getting better without seeking medical attention.
Since Sept. 1, 2009, 482 people in 24 counties have been hospitalized in Oregon with influenza-like illness; 15 people in eight counties have died.
Oregon Public Health has activated the emergency operations center full time to coordinate the state's response to pandemic H1N1 and ensure that the most up-to-date information is available. The center is working closely with local health departments and monitoring hospital capacity and supplies.
Hospitals and health care providers in some Oregon counties have experienced a surge of patients, but so far there is enough capacity to care for people with symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization. On Oct. 26, President Obama declared a national state of emergency in response to pandemic H1N1. This action allows hospitals to waive certain regulatory requirements so they can respond better to the emergency, such as making it easier to transfer patients between facilities.
The Columbia Health District will hold a walk-in clinic for free H1N1 (swine flu) vaccinations Friday at the public health office, 2370 Gable Road in St. Helens, Ore. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or until the vaccine runs out. Both nasal spray and injectable vaccines are available. Priority will be given to people considered at greatest risk from H1N1:
• Pregnant women
• Caregivers for children under 6 months of age
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel, such as firefighters, law enforcement officers
• Children 6 months through 18 years of age
• Young adults 19 through 24 years of age
Adults age 25 through 64 who have higher risk health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, chronic heart disease, compromised immune system or liver or kidney disease.
Swine Flu Emergency Reshapes Hospital Plans
PORTLAND- The national emergency declaration by President Barack Obama has little to do with the speed the H1N1 vaccine wil be produced and distributed. But it does affect the way medical centers are able to treat patients.
The declaration loosens some federal regulations regarding patient privacy, access to care, and the movement of patients from one facility to another.
Leaders at Legacy Health System have been discussing emergency treatment options for some time. They met Monday to make potential plans that the declaration allows.
"It allows hospitals, nursing homes all kinds of medical facilities all kinds of alternatives to deal with what could be burgeoning patient loads", according to Brian Terrett, Legacy's Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications.
The tents that are set up outside Legacy Emmanuel and other medical centers are an example of what the declaration allows more easily: patient privacy regulations being eased means a triage center can be set up in a more public place like a parking lot.
The declaration could allow patient treatment centers in places as large as a warehouse or even Memorial Coliseum. For now, Legacy is looking at smaller venues. A corner building next to Good Samaritan Hospital has a vacancy; the former FedEx Kinkos could become an H1N1 patient center under the emergency declaration, if Legacy decides it needs it. For now, it doesn't.
H1N1 Vaccine: By Appointment Only
SALEM -Marion County received its first supply of the H1N1 vaccine earlier this month.
Now, it's beginning to distribute the supply. Instead of long lines and frustrated patients, the county is taking appointments to schedule its distribution.
Right now, the county is asking people to call your health care provider first to see if it's distributing the vaccine too. If not, Marion County says the H1N1 vaccine is only available to people in the high risk priority groups.
If you're pregnant, care for children younger than 6 months old, all children between 6 months-24 years old, or adults with chronic illness are considered to be among the highest risk.
Marion County will begin taking more appointments, by phone, beginning at 8:30 AM Monday morning.
H1N1 Vaccine Appointment Phone Number: 503-584-4870.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Oregon Emergency Management is planning for future
Statesman Journal column
October 28, 2009
The 911 emergency call system has been around so long that many take it for granted. But there is more to the 911 system that we should know.
There are 50 911 call centers across Oregon. They are called Public Safety Answering Points, and equipment connects to the local telephone exchange carrier. PSAP equipment must be upgraded about every five years.
Oregon Emergency Management is responsible for coordination of the PSAPs and the 911 call-taking equipment and is looking ahead to the needs of Oregonians in the future. During the next few years as equipment is scheduled for upgrade or replacement, OEM is making sure that all equipment is "next generation capable." This means that when this new complex network is available, we will be able to not only call 911, but also text message the PSAPS.
During the Virginia Tech shooting, students sent texts to the 911 center not knowing that they were not getting through. This system is going to be valuable in getting emergency messages to the PSAPs faster and more effectively during different types of emergencies.
Jennifer Bailey, formerly of FEMA, is the public affairs coordinator of Oregon Emergency Management. She may be reached at (503) 378-2911, Ext. 22294 or jbailey@oem.state.or.us.
October 28, 2009
The 911 emergency call system has been around so long that many take it for granted. But there is more to the 911 system that we should know.
There are 50 911 call centers across Oregon. They are called Public Safety Answering Points, and equipment connects to the local telephone exchange carrier. PSAP equipment must be upgraded about every five years.
Oregon Emergency Management is responsible for coordination of the PSAPs and the 911 call-taking equipment and is looking ahead to the needs of Oregonians in the future. During the next few years as equipment is scheduled for upgrade or replacement, OEM is making sure that all equipment is "next generation capable." This means that when this new complex network is available, we will be able to not only call 911, but also text message the PSAPS.
During the Virginia Tech shooting, students sent texts to the 911 center not knowing that they were not getting through. This system is going to be valuable in getting emergency messages to the PSAPs faster and more effectively during different types of emergencies.
Jennifer Bailey, formerly of FEMA, is the public affairs coordinator of Oregon Emergency Management. She may be reached at (503) 378-2911, Ext. 22294 or jbailey@oem.state.or.us.
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