Road conditions less than ideal for holidays

Just when mid-valley residents thought it might be safe to hit the roads again, they awoke to another dusting of snow this morning.

With Christmas closing in, travel conditions throughout the state are shaping up to be less than accommodating.

Northbound travelers could be in for tough trips as snow still blankets the valley floor from Salem to Portland, and into Washington as well. The National Weather Service was calling for letup through Christmas Eve.

A winter storm watch was in effect for the Portland area and the Columbia River Gorge. Snow and freezing rain were possibilities until Christmas Day.

The Oregon Department of Transportation required chains on all cars in the Portland area not equipped with four-wheel drive or studded, snow or all-weather tires.

“I’m not sure how long chains will be required in the Portland-Metro area,” said Dave Thompson of ODOT. “We’re hoping conditions will improve today and we can remove the requirement.”

ODOT reported hazardous driving conditions throughout the Coast Range. In the Gorge, Interstate 84 was closed Monday night due to high winds and drifting snow; the freeway reopened today although hazardous driving conditions still exist.

Thompson said there was no chain requirement in the Salem area even though it was snowing there this morning.

Southbound traffic does not require chains on I-5. The forecast calls for rain and snow today and Wednesday.

Amtrak planned to have most trains from Eugene to Vancouver, British Columbia, running again today.

Airports still faced cancellations of many flights in Portland and Seattle, and other flights have been delayed. It is best to call and check the status of each flight, and travelers should arrive several hours early.

Travelers are advised to contact ODOT for the latest road reports before departing.

The Eugene Airport has been affected by the conditions in Portland and Seattle. Flights are still scheduled but there may be some delays.

Conditions aren’t predicted to improve statewide until Friday. In Albany rain is expected to settle in Wednesday, with highs in the 40s through Saturday. Lows could be near freezing Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but are expected to rise to the mid-30s by the weekend.

Precipitation was expected to taper off in the Portland area today, but more may be on the way.

“It’s a little uncertain but snow seems the likely scenario for Wednesday,” said Russ Willis of the National Weather Service.