Holiday drivers, be ready for snow.Byline: Sherri Buri-McDonald The Register-Guard Those who are dreaming of a white Christmas A white Christmas, to most people in the Northern Hemisphere, refers to snowy weather on Christmas Day. This phenomenon is far more common in some countries than in others. for the Willamette Valley The Willamette Valley (pronounced [wɪˈlæ.mɪt], with the accent on the second syllable) is the region in northwest Oregon in the United States that surrounds the Willamette River as it proceeds northward from its just might get one. The National Weather Service is forecasting that a low pressure system will move down from the Gulf of Alaska Noun 1. Gulf of Alaska - a gulf of the Pacific Ocean between the Alaska Peninsula and the Alexander Archipelago Pacific, Pacific Ocean - the largest ocean in the world bringing wet weather to Northwest Oregon, and a cold snap cold snap Noun a short period of cold and frosty weather Noun 1. cold snap - a spell of cold weather cold spell that could sprinkle snow this weekend on the Willamette Valley. The worst of the weather is expected to hit the afternoon of Christmas Day, with 4 to 8 inches of snow likely in the Cascades and mountain passes; 2 to 4 inches in the Cascade foothills and Coast Range; and a dusting of up to an inch of snow at elevations above 500 feet along Interstate in·ter·state adj. Involving, existing between, or connecting two or more states. n. One of a system of highways extending between the major cities of the 48 contiguous United States. Noun 1. 5 and other areas of the Willamette Valley. For the elevation-challenged, most of Eugene is at 370 feet to 420 feet elevation; Skinner Butte Skinner Butte (also called Skinner's Butte) is a prominent hill on the north edge of downtown Eugene, Oregon, United States, near the Willamette River. Skinner Butte is a local landmark and the location of Skinner Butte Park, a municipal park. is at 681 feet and Spencer Butte Spencer Butte is a prominent landmark in Lane County, Oregon, United States, south of Eugene. The peak has an elevation of 2055 feet[1] (626 m). Spencer Butte is accessible from Spencer Butte Park and has several hiking trails to the summit. is at 2,052 feet. The possibility of snow makes it imperative that holiday drivers prepare for hazardous road conditions, especially if their itinerary includes crossing a mountain pass, state transportation officials said. Jay Remy, spokesman for the state Department of Transportation Highway Division, offered these tips for holiday drivers: Know before you go. Check on highway and mountain pass conditions online at www.tripcheck.com or by calling 511. The national 511 road-conditions number was introduced about a year ago. If you're traveling across state lines, the system will recognize which state you're in and give you the relevant information. The call costs the same as any other regular call placed from a cell phone. Maintain your vehicle. Your vehicle equipment is more important during cold weather than any other time of the year, Remy said. Check your wiper blades and wiper fluid, as well as other fluids and hoses. Have good tires. Keep a cold-weather emergency pack in an accessible place in case you get stranded: blankets, snacks and drinks, games and toys to keep the kids occupied, and any special essentials, such as prescription drugs prescription drug Prescription medication Pharmacology An FDA-approved drug which must, by federal law or regulation, be dispensed only pursuant to a prescription–eg, finished dose form and active ingredients subject to the provisos of the Federal Food, Drug, or extra diapers for the baby. "The main problem people run into is they aren't prepared to be stranded - even for a couple of hours," Remy said. Keep your cell-phone batteries charged, and postpone yakking until you've safely crossed mountain passes. Watch those bridges. In a cold snap, expect bridge surfaces to be icier than the roads. |
|
||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion