The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning from 4 p.m. Thursday until 1 p.m. Friday, predicting a mix of light snow and freezing rain. The region could get up to an inch of snow and a quarter to half an inch of ice.
Salem officials say power outages and tree damage are likely, due to the ice, and travel could be difficult. Severe weather is also expected in Portland and throughout Oregon.
Noon Thursday: A great day for soup
11 a.m. Thursday: Early closures
Some schools, businesses and government offices are beginning to announce early closures Thursday in anticipation of inclement weather. Here are the ones we’ve seen so far:
Chemeketa Community College: Early release at 1 p.m., all afternoon and evening activities canceled. The campuses will remain closed for winter holidays through Monday.
The Grotto: The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights in Portland will be closed Thursday night. Visit the website for ticket refund info.
Institute of Technology: The Salem campus will close at 3 p.m. Thursday and reopen at 10 a.m Friday.
Molalla River School District: All campuses closing as of 4 pm Thursday. All athletics and activities canceled after 4 p.m.
Oregon Office of Public Defense Services: The Public Defense Resource Center at the Multnomah County Courthouse is closed from 11 a.m. Thursday through Friday, but is operating remotely.
10 a.m. Thursday: Snow likely this afternoon
The latest National Weather Service report indicates snow is likely, mainly after 4 p.m. Expected accumulation is less than half an inch.
Snow and freezing rain is expected to begin before 7 p.m., and then turning to freezing rain overnight. Ice and snow accumulation is possible overnight and into early Friday morning.
Pretreating roads
Salem Public Works crews said they are readying equipment, alerting staff and pretreating major roads and bridges in city limits with liquid deicer.
They predict conditions will be worst in the early morning hours Friday.
How to prepare:Winter storm is coming to the Willamette Valley, Pacific Northwest. Are you ready?
Check your drive route
Heading out of town? Check the weather conditions along your route by visiting tripcheck.com or calling 511 for current road conditions first.
Consider bringing an emergency kit in your vehicle with you, just in case. Include a flashlight, snow and ice scraper, first-aid kit, blanket, food, water jumper cables and a spare tire.
Prepare for power outages
Wind and ice accumulation could cause power outages, power companies and Eugene city officials said.
Pacific Power said it is preparing to address outages if and when they occur. Anyone who loses power should first check fuses and circuit breakers, Pacific Power said. If those don’t bring power back, report the outage by calling 1-877-508-5088 or texting OUT to 722797.
Households also should prepare emergency outage kits with a flashlight, battery-operated radio, extra batteries, non-perishable foods, bottled water and blankets.
