Merry Christmas!

How's the weather?

The Oregonian Triages Eugene Area

Looks like the mainstay Oregon newspaper, The Oregonian, is pulling up its roots in Eugene and Springfield, and is to stop delivering dailies in order to save money on printing costs. I first heard about this from Newspaper Deathwatch, the reaper-like website that has been watching the fall of the industry of 'black, white and read all over'. As a journalism-major this is all a little less than reassuring.

The news came from my mother in a phone call.

Had I seen The Oregonian's letter announcing the end of daily delivery? Seems rising newsprint and distribution costs make it too expensive for The Oregonian to bring its papers to home or retail outlets in Eugene-Springfield on a daily basis, apart from Sunday.

My own letter from The Oregonian's circulation director lay in the unopened mail pile. Another busy day of leaving early and getting home late. I'd managed to start off right by reading the Register-Guard and Oregonian before leaving my house at 6:00 a.m., but hadn't opened the mail after rushing home that night.

The letter was kind. A model of strength-based reassurance. The Oregonian knows its decision to stop visiting my house every morning is a loss, for me and for each and every one of the readers. While the newspaper won't be found in retail outlets in Oregon's second largest metropolitan area, it will arrive on Sunday and web content is available 24/7.

Now all I want for Christmas is for The Oregonian to keep landing somewhere in my yard by 6:00 a.m.

http://blog.oregonlive.com/myoregon/2008/12/waking_up_to_a_morning_without.html

Weather Warning

Winter travelers living in the Willamette Valley should rethink any travel plans this week. A severe storm front has resulted a sudden drop in expected temperatures over the next week. Wind and weather warnings have been issued from the National Weather Service and police officials. The Eugene area is expected to stay below freezing through Thursday, with lows of 16F (-10C) on Monday and Tuesday. The Portland area, the Gorge and southern Washington should experience the worst of it though.

Be careful out there, most Oregon drivers aren't experienced with icy conditions. Beware of bridges, and if you live on a hill then it might be a good idea to bunker up and park your car at the bottom of the hill - just in case.

edit: That snow showed up, it sure is pretty.

My dad first let me know about this a couple days ago, thanks dad:

National Weather Services warns that the weather systems headed for Oregon and SW Washington could bring some of the “coldest weather in several years.” A combination of factors, from low pressure systems coming from the Gulf of Alaska to an Arctic air mass moving in from Canada, are forecast to deliver very cold temperatures, snow – particularly in the Cascades and Coast Range, high tides and some coastal flooding, and strong winds both along the coast and inland.


Summary:

* The first system is forecast to arrive late tomorrow morning (Friday, 12/12) with precipitation and winds through Saturday. Snow will be significant in the Cascades, 2-3’ during this time period, and blizzard conditions are likely with the accompanying winds. The Coast Range is likely to have accumulations (7-15 inches) of snow during this time. The valley may have some accumulation of snow, 1-2” above 1,000 feet, and bursts of snow and cold rain showers with little accumulation possibility until Sunday.
* Winds with the first system are expected between 30-40 mph and gusting to 60-70 mph on the coast. The Coast Range may experience winds 30-40 mph and gusting to 65 mph. In the valley winds are forecast at 20-30 mph sustained and 45 mph gusts. Most of this wind event is anticipated to be Friday pm to Saturday am.
* Along the coast high surf from a combination of the highest tides of the year and the windstorm could cause coastal erosion and some flooding.
* Sunday the Arctic air mass will be moving in from Canada and Washington and with it very cold temperatures, from the teens and 20’s at night to highs around freezing during the day. Any precipitation on the ground, rain or snow, could freeze and become icy. As the week progresses, the forecast inland is for dryer and continued very cold weather.


Hazards:

* Transportation – be extremely careful of slippery road surfaces – from precipitation (rain, snow) to leaves and windstorm debris accumulation. If you travel, be sure you and your vehicle are fit for challenging driving conditions, that you have an emergency kit on board at all times http://www.co.benton.or.us/sheriff/ems/documents/travel-kit_brochure.pdf , and that you slow down. Do not hesitate to defer travel if conditions are extreme. Stay abreast of conditions as you consider travel, “know before you go.” www.tripcheck.com or www.weather.gov/portland are two internet resources and dial 5-1-1 for road conditions from your cell phone.
* Supplies – particularly critical supplies such as medications, fuel and food. Prepare now in case road and weather conditions limit safe travel.
* Power outages – related to the wind event, accumulations of ice and snow on tree limbs that break over power lines, accidents. Be prepared for power failure – to keep warm and have light safely. Remember, if you use alternative heating or cooking from a combustion system it must be properly vented according to manufacturer’s recommendation. Never leave an open flame unattended.
* Winds - secure loose property and holiday decorations around your house to prevent damage from strong, gusting winds.
* Frozen pipes – disconnect and drain hoses, cover foundation vents and hose bibs to insulate them. Indoors open cupboards near plumbing to allow warm air to circulate around them. Protect pipes to appliances and utility sinks in garages.
* Domestic pets – take extra precautions to protect even outdoor pets during this sustained cold spate. Consider additional shelter such as a garage or barn.
* Check in – with at least three other people who may not be able to endure a severe weather event, being housebound, or a power outage. These vulnerable populations can be in serious trouble without needed supplies, heat or light and check on them can make all of the difference in the world. If you’re someone who may have a tough time dealing with cold, power outage or being shut-in, reach out and let others know that you’d value a visit, a check-in. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how many people would love to extend a hand, but may not know how.


The cold weather coming may last longer than one week. Stay abreast of changes as forecasts are updated and extended. Monitor weather on local news and on the internet: National Weather Service, www.weather.gov/portland Oregon Department of Transportation at www.tripcheck.com