Salem residents can expect sub-freezing temperatures, snow and freezing rain this weekend, but conditions will likely be more moderate than in other areas of the Willamette Valley.
The National Weather Service’ issued a winter storm watch effective 4 p.m. Friday through 4 a.m. Sunday for Salem and much of the valley, as well as the Portland Metro area.
“Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be difficult,” according to the agency’s announcement.
Snowfall Friday morning, if any, will likely be light snowdust, according to Jon Liu, a meteorologist with the Weather Service’s Portland office.
The agency’s latest reading at McNary Field is forecasting rain and snow before 10 a.m. Friday, then rain, snow and freezing rain until 11 a.m., then only snow. Little to no snow ice buildup is expected, and less than a half-inch of snow is possible.
Friday evening as early as 7 p.m. through Saturday morning would be the “period of concern,” with a possible 1 to 3 inches of snow as well as freezing rain, according to Liu.
But Liu said conditions this weekend in Salem are not expected to be as severe as the February 2021 ice storm. Salem is toward the edge of the region expected to see icing, with the most severe weather forecasted for the Corvallis area.
“The main problem will be with temperatures getting really cold, any snow that’s not plowed could just stick around for a while,” he said. “It’s not really going to melt as temperatures stay pretty darn cold for the entirety of the weekend as well as early next week.”
Rain and snow is likely Friday night until around 1 a.m., then sleet is likely to be added to the mix. A low of around 22 degrees is expected, with a 60% chance of rain and a possible 1 to 2 inches of new snow and sleet buildup, according to the weather service.
Sleet is likely before 1p.m. Saturday, then rain and snow. The Salem area could see around 1 inch of new snow and sleet buildup Saturday afternoon. A cold, dry period is then expected to begin, Liu said.
There is a chance of snow and sleet Saturday night, and strong winds are forecasted. There will be a 50% chance of rain, with less than a half-inch of new snow and sleet buildup possible. A low around 19 degrees is expected.
Sunday is forecasted to be partly sunny with a high near 30 degrees during the day. Another nighttime low around 19 is expected.
Ice accumulation for the Salem area is still uncertain, Liu said, but it could be up to one-tenth of an inch.
He said there is a small chance that Salem could see closer to a quarter-inch of ice buildup, which could more significantly impact travel and cause power outages. “But at the moment, we’re still looking at probably a more minor type of ice scenario,” he said.
Salem’s Public Works Department will have de-icers, snow plows and sanding equipment on standby in case of snow or freezing rain.
“Now is the time to take steps to keep your family safe by making sure your vehicle is ready for winter weather conditions, use extra caution while driving, and make sure you have enough supplies at home in case they are needed,” the city said in a Facebook post Wednesday. People can report a road concern by calling public works dispatchers at 503-588-6311.
Updated snow routes around Salem can be found on a city map.
The state Department of Transportation tracks road conditions throughout the state on TripCheck.
OneRain provides weather information for Salem up to the minute.
People can find information about local snow and weather responses by the city and Marion County online.
Overnight warming shelters open when temperatures drop to 32 degrees or below. Salem First Presbyterian Church, 770 Chemeketa St. N.E., and Seed of Faith Ministries, 1248 Winter Street N.E. Both operate such shelters when there is freezing weather.
Check the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency’s website for updated information about shelters or volunteering.
People can also sign up online to volunteer at a warming shelter. Volunteers check guests in and out of shelters, provide food and beverages in their hospitality areas and assist with keeping the facilities clean.
Contact reporter Ardeshir Tabrizian: [email protected] or 503-929-3053.
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Ardeshir Tabrizian has covered criminal justice and housing for Salem Reporter since September 2021. As an Oregon native, his award-winning watchdog journalism has traversed the state. He has done reporting for The Oregonian, Eugene Weekly and Malheur Enterprise.
