KWSO News for 11/27/19

If you’ve kept yourself inside, just so you’re aware, a Thanksgiving week snowstorm swept through Oregon and the High Desert, making for slick, dangerous travel that led to numerous crashes, whiteout conditions near La Pine and cancellation of OSU-Cascades classes today. KTVZ.com reported crashes on the Santiam pass as well as highway 126 and highway 97. The snowfall was timely, welcome news for skiers and snowboarders who were wondering what they’d be able to do over the holiday weekend. Mt. Bachelor reported 5 inches of snow, while Hoodoo near Santiam Pass had over a half-foot and expect an additional 18-30 inches of snow. Traveling conditions on Highway 26 over the Mt. Hood Pass are requiring chains or traction tires. Timberline road was closed along US 26 as blowing snow and fog have brought extremely low visibility along the road, making driving extremely hazardous. There have been a few crashes along US 26. The Oregon Department of Transportation Crews were working through the night to keep up with the snowfall, but recommend that if your travel is unavoidable, use extreme caution and be prepared for hazardous conditions and slow travel.  Keep updated at tripcheck.com  Local reports had power out at Schoolie Flats in Warm Springs, Wasco Electric has restored power.

Utility officials say they are working to restore power to thousands of customers in southern Oregon and northern California because of high winds at the coast and heavy snow in the mountains. Pacific Power officials said Tuesday evening that more than 15,000 customers were without power as of Tuesday afternoon with Del Norte County, California hardest hit. Utility officials expect outages to continue overnight into Wednesday based on the weather forecast as a “bomb cyclone” impacts the region. Pacific Power is working with local emergency officials and the Red Cross to set up warming shelters where needed.

A storm packing heavy snow and high winds that wreaked havoc as it whipped through Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska is marching into the upper Midwest as anxious Thanksgiving travelers brace for a busy, if not perilous, holiday week. The wintry storm that left at least one person dead was expected to push eastward into South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin on Wednesday, while a “bomb cyclone” weather phenomenon was expected to simultaneously topple trees, knock out power and dump snow as it rolled into California and Oregon. The one-two punch made for a double whammy of early wintry weather that threatened to scramble plans for millions of people nationwide during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.

In College Football this weekend: The Civil War highlights what’s left of the rivalry games in the PAC-12, with Oregon looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss and Oregon State vying for bowl eligibility. The PAC-12 South is still undecided, with Utah needing a win over Colorado to wrap up a spot in the league championship game and USC hoping for an upset from the sidelines.

Local Bowling: the Warm Springs Indian Holiday Bowling Tournament kicks off tomorrow and continues until Saturday at Lava Lanes in Bend. Competitions include: Master’s Event, Grammz Special, Little Puppies, Holiday Roll-Off, Big Dog Challenge, Doubles & Singles, Mixed Team, a Youth Tournament and Senior Masters. For More information you can call Austin at 541-553-1953.

BEFORE A WINTER STORM:

• Have a disaster plan.
• Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing, and blankets.
• Be aware of changing weather.

DURING A WINTER STORM:

• Stay indoors and dress warmly.
• Eat regularly. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.
• Drink water. Also, drink warm broth and juices.
• If you must go outside, wear layered clothing, mittens and a hat.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
• Keep dry. Change wet clothing to prevent the loss of body heat.
• If you must drive, carry a cell phone.
• Keep the gas tank full.
• Let someone know where you’re going, just in case your car gets stuck.
• If you’re car gets stuck, stay with it and wait for help unless help is visible within 100 yards. Use maps and car mats to stay warm.

AFTER A WINTER STORM:

• Avoid driving until conditions have improved.
• Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling snow are the leading cause of deaths during the winter.
• Check on neighbors to make sure their okay.