The streets of Salem were largely quiet Saturday afternoon, except for the crackle of freezing rain and the occasional thud of car tires crossing the ice.
The weather was noticeably cold, said Sean Weigel, chief meteorologist at the National Weather Service.
“With a high temperature of 21 degrees per day, December 22, 1990 was the last time we got this cold in Salem,” he said.
The high came just after midnight, and temperatures became colder throughout the day, with lows reaching 17.6 degrees as of 4 p.m., according to a chart from the National Weather Service. The area saw about an inch of rain over the past 24 hours, according to the graph.
The National Weather Service's winter storm warning remains in effect until 10 p.m. Saturday night, forecasting up to another inch of snow and a tenth of an inch of ice. The service warns of wind gusts up to 40 mph, power outages, tree damage and difficulty traveling throughout the Willamette Valley, especially east of the Interstate 5 corridor, possible.
Saturday Night Forecast Starting at 4 p.m., there will be a chance of freezing rain and sleet until 7 p.m., which will diminish overnight. The temperature is expected to reach 14 degrees Fahrenheit tonight.
The weather will remain cold and mostly dry on Sunday, with temperatures expected to rise around 25 degrees, but with weaker winds around 9 mph. The temperature on Sunday night is expected to reach 19 degrees.
“The snow, sleet and ice that fell today will likely continue for some time,” Weigel said, likely into Tuesday. He added that there is a possibility of more rain falling over it on Tuesday night, but it is too early to tell at this stage.
The Oregon Department of Transportation reported hazardous highway conditions and recommended drivers stay off the roads until conditions improve. If you need to travel, check road conditions by calling 511 or on TripCheck. See winter driving tips and emergency supplies checklist here.
The city did not report any road closures as of Saturday evening, according to its road condition map.
Public Works crews spent Saturday placing sand on primary and secondary snow removal roads in Salem. “The de-icer was not applied because it would not be effective on frozen solid packages,” city spokesman Trevor Smith said.
Residential streets will not be treated. He added that crews will continue to work 24 hours a day during the next few days.
Health risks from the weather include hypothermia, frostbite and carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Oregon Health Authority. For the latter, the agency warns against using gas stoves, grills or electric generators indoors, and to reduce fire risks by plugging heaters directly into an outlet rather than an extension cord or power strip. See OHA's winter safety tips here.
Gas company NW Natural is asking its customers to conserve gas usage in the region, due to increased usage and “complications” at a Washington storage facility that has strained its system. To conserve gas use, turn down thermostats as much as is safe and comfortable, turn off non-essential appliances and limit hot water use.
There were no widespread power outages in Salem as of Saturday afternoon, according to power outage maps from PGE and Salem Electric. The Portland metro area had more than 100,000 homes and businesses without power as of 5 p.m. Saturday after a day of freezing temperatures and high winds.
For a list of warming centers open Saturday night or to volunteer, see the city announcement here, or the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency website.
The ARCHES Day Center will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., at 615 Commercial St. NE, and provides transportation to Salem First Presbyterian Church, which is open for overnight stays. The church is located at 770 Chemeketa St. NE, and is open from 7pm to 7am
Seed of Faith Ministries has a warming center open 24 hours through Monday, at 1230 Winter St. NE
Closure
Cherriots suspended all services on Saturday, except for “life-sustaining trips” using LIFT paratransit, but as of Saturday afternoon had not announced whether regular service would return on Sunday. Check their website for the latest information on closures.
Chemeketa Community College said all of its campuses will be closed Saturday and Sunday, and that all in-person and remote classes, activities, work and events will be canceled.
Contact reporter Abby McDonald: [email protected] Or 503-575-1251.
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Abby McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022. She previously worked as a business reporter at The Astorian, where she covered labor, health care and social services issues. A graduate of the University of Oregon, she has also written for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review, and Willamette Week.
