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Big storm barreling toward Oregon
Saturday, December 01, 2007 | 3 comment(s)
The National Weather Service on Friday predicted the storm would slam into the Oregon Coast with wind described as as hurricane force and approaching 100 mph.
High winds are expected Sunday and Monday.
Winds described as potentially of hurricane force are new for Oregon. Forecasters say the storm is not really a hurricane, but the language reflects a decision in 2002 to highlight storms that happen once or twice a decade.
The Coos County Sheriff's Office sent out an alert Friday afternoon.
"Winds are generally strongest along the shore line, so our residents along the coast should take special precautions. But the river valleys and canyons can "funnel" the winds further inland, too. Everyone in the county should take a few minutes to prepare for the storm," a press release said.
Precautions include:
• staying off the beaches.
• preparing for power outages.
• have a supply of alternative fuel ready, such as firewood or wood pellets. If you rely only on electrical heating, make preparations to stay with family or friends if the power goes out.
• Prepare an emergency lighting source – ideally flash lights or battery operated lanterns.
• Keep an old-fashioned corded telephone available to plug into wall jacks (They don't require power).
• Keep a supply of prepared food on hand.
• If your water comes from a well or spring that requires an electric pump, draw some water ahead of time. Fill the bathtub, or a few buckets.
• Prepare for potentially damaging winds.
• Stay away from any downed lines, and report them to your utility provider.
The coast likely won't be the only area hit by the storm. Even as far inland as Lakeview in south-central Oregon, winds could reach 70 mph in gusts, the weather service said.
Rain and snow are expected inland in the Willamette Valley, along with "significant snow" in the Columbia Gorge. The moisture could trigger flooding and travel could be hazardous, forecasters said.
Snowfall is expected to total 4 to 6 inches in the gorge on Saturday, the forecasters said, and then turn to rain. Snow is expected in the Willamette Valley, although significant accumulations are not expected.
High winds are expected Sunday and Monday.
Winds described as potentially of hurricane force are new for Oregon. Forecasters say the storm is not really a hurricane, but the language reflects a decision in 2002 to highlight storms that happen once or twice a decade.
The Coos County Sheriff's Office sent out an alert Friday afternoon.
"Winds are generally strongest along the shore line, so our residents along the coast should take special precautions. But the river valleys and canyons can "funnel" the winds further inland, too. Everyone in the county should take a few minutes to prepare for the storm," a press release said.
Precautions include:
• staying off the beaches.
• preparing for power outages.
• have a supply of alternative fuel ready, such as firewood or wood pellets. If you rely only on electrical heating, make preparations to stay with family or friends if the power goes out.
• Prepare an emergency lighting source – ideally flash lights or battery operated lanterns.
• Keep an old-fashioned corded telephone available to plug into wall jacks (They don't require power).
• Keep a supply of prepared food on hand.
• If your water comes from a well or spring that requires an electric pump, draw some water ahead of time. Fill the bathtub, or a few buckets.
• Prepare for potentially damaging winds.
• Stay away from any downed lines, and report them to your utility provider.
The coast likely won't be the only area hit by the storm. Even as far inland as Lakeview in south-central Oregon, winds could reach 70 mph in gusts, the weather service said.
Rain and snow are expected inland in the Willamette Valley, along with "significant snow" in the Columbia Gorge. The moisture could trigger flooding and travel could be hazardous, forecasters said.
Snowfall is expected to total 4 to 6 inches in the gorge on Saturday, the forecasters said, and then turn to rain. Snow is expected in the Willamette Valley, although significant accumulations are not expected.
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