Wednesday 18 January 2012

Portland metro area to winter storm warning

Communities across Oregon braced for a new punch from Mother Nature as forecasters warned of hurricane-force wind gusts overnight on the coast and heavy snow in the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascades.


The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings for the mountains until Wednesday afternoon. A less severe winter weather advisory was in effect for the Willamette Valley, but forecasters backed off earlier projections that significant snow accumulation was possible in Portland. By Tuesday afternoon, they didn't expect snow at lower elevations, with most of Portland seeing a mix of rain and snow.


The city of Portland has set up two places for drivers to chain up. One is on West Burnside Street at Northwest 23rd Avenue and the other is at Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road at Terwilliger Boulevard at the bottom of the hill. Both locations will be available through the forecasted snow, according to the city.


The city will have all of its 55 trucks ready to plow and sand roads as they are needed. View the plow map.


If the public observes trees, rocks or other debris blocking roads and sidewalks, they can report the location to the city by calling 503-823-1700. They can report downed power lines by calling PGE at 503-464-7777.


The Oregon Coast is set to get battered by high winds when the storm system comes onshore early Wednesday morning.


The National Weather Service issued a “hurricane force wind warning” for the ocean off the central coast. Forecasters think sustained winds could be as strong as 60 miles per hour with gusts up to 86 miles per hour.


Onshore, most of the coast is under a “high wind warning” through Wednesday afternoon. Beaches and headlands could also see wind gusts in the 80s, forecasters said.


The NWS warning said areas south of Tillamook have the greatest chance of being impacted by the wind. Forecasters warn there could be power outages and trees down across roadways.


Our neighbors to the north are preparing for a very large storm on Wednesday. Seattle is smack in the middle of the wet storm that will push through Oregon and a cold, arctic air mass pushing south from Alaska. That’s a recipe for heavy snow.


Forecasters at KOMONews.com in Seattle expect 4-6 inches of snow in the greater Seattle and up to 12 inches in places near Olympia and south.

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