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ODOT Says I-84 Closure To Remain In Place Until Storm Passes

Posted on by mbailey

The Oregon Department of Transportation says there is no re-opening in sight for Interstate 84 from Troutdale to Hood River until the current storm runs its course.

ODOT says it will open the freeway when it’s safe, but the storm is expected to last into Saturday. 

A dangerous combination of snow, ice and high wind has created conditions unsafe for even the most experienced travelers, and the dangers reach way beyond the Gorge. 

Many routes across the northwest are feeling the impact of the storm and have seen closures in the last 24 hours.

Tripcheck.com is up-to-date with all current closures and traffic impacts around Oregon.

Truck parking is quickly filling along I-84 in Hood River, The Dalles, and Biggs Junction.

ODOT is encouraging drivers to delay their trip or wait out the closure from their current location and not continue on to the hard closure points. Parking on the interstate is not an option once designated lots are full. Blocking lanes of travel creates a hazard and strands people in areas with no services. 

ODOT says its crews are working around the clock tending to the roads, but there is no single tool that can defeat the challenge presented by ice. 

ODOT is encouraging everyone to delay travel until the storm is over. 

 

MCCAC Warming Shelter Open Through Saturday

Posted on by mbailey

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council says its emergency warming center at the St. Vincent de Paul’s building at 315 W. 3rd St. in The Dalles will be open 24 hours a day until at least Saturday.  Community Action also indicated there may be spaces at its regular shelter in The Dalles on the corner of Bargeway and Terminal, call 541-980-0855.            The Hood River Shelter at 1733 Oak can be contacted about available beds at 541-965-0990.  Free warming supplies can be picked up at 312 East 4th in The Dalles on Friday from 8 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and at the Hood River Shelter at any time.  Blankets, tarps, clothes, food, hand warmers, and other supplies are available.  If you need a ride to shelter…call the CAT bus at 541-386-4202…the LINK at 541-296-7595…or PacificSource/OHP at 855-397-3617.

WAGAP Updates Life-Threatening Weather Contact Information

Posted on by mbailey

Washington Gorge Action Programs has updated its life-threatening weather contact information for Emergency Warming Services in Klickitat and Skamania counties.  During life-threatening weather conditions, WAGAP emergency housing offices assist houseless individuals in planning for warm/safe overnight options during regular business hours.  In Klickitat County, call 509-493-2662 extension 301 Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  And in Skamania County call 509-427-8229, Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and after hours call the Skamania County Emergency Shelter coordinator at 509-281-1129.

 

Consider Staying Home Next Couple Of Days

Posted on by mbailey

Public safety officials are suggesting people stay off the roads if projected icy conditions arrive in the Gorge in the next couple of days.  Oregon Department of Transportation spokesman Don Hamilton says ice is more difficult to deal with snow, and will create treacherous driving conditions, so if you don’t have to go out when the storm hits, it’s best to stay home.  The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office is advising everyone stay home unless there is an emergency.  Recreational safety is also an issue, as wind chills pushing temperatures below zero, leading to frostbite concerns with exposed skin.  The Skamania County Sheriffs’ Office reminds people to take stock of your supplies in the home and make an attempt to stock up on essential items.

Survey On Chinook Seasons Available

Posted on by mbailey

The Oregon and Washington departments of fish and wildlife are asking for input on fall Chinook salmon seasons in the Columbia River.  Fall salmon seasons have closed earlier than planned in recent years due to impacts to Endangered Species Act listed stocks.  Fishery managers are considering ways to reduce the likelihood of early closures, and are asking anglers which potential strategies they would like to see.  The agencies say the survey will be online through January 15.  Go to publicinput.com/columbiariverfallchinook

 

MCCAC Opens Temporary Warming Center In The Dalles

Posted on by mbailey

With freezing rain, snow, and extremely low wind chill temperatures in the coming days, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council is opening a temporary warming center using St. Vincent de Paul’s building at 315 W. 3rd St. in The Dalles beginning at 7 p.m.  The temporary warming center is currently scheduled to operate until 7 a.m. Friday, with Community Action to post an update on its Facebook page and website Thursday to indicate whether it will stay open beyond then.  An extended opening will depend on staff and volunteer capacity, along with temperatures and winter precipitation based on the updated weekend forecast as of Thursday evening.  Houseless people and other vulnerable community members who cannot otherwise get out of the cold can come to the warming center for initial intake between 7pm-9pm this evening or Thursday, or between 8am-5pm Thursday.  For other information about warming resources, such as where people in need can pick up bundles of warming supplies, or access temporary warming centers on the Washington side of the Columbia River, visit MCCAC’s website: www.mccac.com/shelter.

 

The Dalles Bridge Closures Suspended For Holidays; End Of Project Nears

Posted on by mbailey

The Dalles Bridge will remain open for both the Christmas and New Year’s weekends, and the Oregon Department of Transportation says there are only a couple of months of weekend closures remaining.  ODOT announced this week that it anticipates full weekend bridge closures will be complete by the end of February, pending any winter weather delays.  Crews have been working to replace the driving surface on the bridge since 2021, leading to closures running from Thursday nights to Monday mornings.  Full weekend bridge closures were extended into this winter when the project fell behind schedule.  ODOT does say construction will continue until the end of April, and bridge users should expect two weekends of nighttime only closures during two consecutive weekends in April to place a smooth continuous concrete surface over the entire length of the bridge.

Kent Officially Concedes

Posted on by mbailey

Republican Joe Kent officially on Wednesday conceded the race to represent Washington’s 3rd Congressional District after being defeated by Rep.-elect Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.  In a written statement, Kent wrote he called Perez to concede Wednesday morning and that he accepted the outcome of the election, which he called “definitively determined” after after counties in the 3rd District concluded individual machine recounts, per Kent’s request.  The results showed that Democrat Perez won the race with 160,323 votes, or 50.14 percent, leading Kent’s 157,690 votes, 49.31 percent.  In the recount, she gained nine votes compared to his additional five.  In his statement, Kent noted he will have more to say in early January, presumably about his political future.  The Washington secretary of state’s office is anticipated to recertify the election results this week.

NCPHD Says CDC Advises Providers On Antiviral Medications For Flu

Posted on by mbailey

North Central Public Health District says the Centers for Disease Control has sent out an advisory to healthcare providers regarding the importance of prescribing antiviral medications for patients with the flu this year.  Seasonal flu activity is high across the United States.  The CDC estimates that for the season to date, there have been at least 13 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 7,300 deaths from flu.  Antiviral treatment is an important additional tool alongside the flu vaccine in the prevention and control of flu.  The flu is nearing record levels in Oregon, according to modeling by Oregon Health & Science University.  In the Columbia Gorge, the percentage of flu tests coming back positive is climbing.  It stood at 39% for the week ending Dec. 10, which is higher than previous years.  The NCPHD says it’s not too late to get a flu shot.  Everyone 6 months and older is eligible. Call your doctor’s office for an appointment, or visit your local pharmacy.  All of the local pharmacies offer the high-dose flu vaccine for those 65 and older.

Suspected Hood River Thief Arrested In Central Oregon

Posted on by mbailey

The Hood River Police Department says a man suspected in the theft of $9,000 in merchandise from Hood River businesses has been arrested in central Oregon.  In a Facebook statement, the HRPD says a tip obtained by The Dalles Police Department provided a break in the caste.  The tip led Hood River Police to the suspect who was eventually arrested in central Oregon.  The investigation also produced the seizure of more than $7,000 in cash as evidence.  The Dalles Police, Bend Police, and the Deschutes County Community Corrections Department were all involved in the investigation.

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