PUBLIC SAFETY

Snow, freezing weather forecast in Salem starting Tuesday night

Snow showers are likely in Salem Tuesday night, followed by several days of rain, snow and freezing temperatures.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory from midnight Tuesday through noon on Wednesday covering much of the Willamette Valley. 

The advisory warns that roads will likely be slick and hazardous during that time, especially on bridges and overpasses.

Tuesday night is expected to have a low temperature of 30 degrees according to the National Weather Service’s forecast. Less than half an inch of snow could accumulate overnight.

Wednesday morning, the service predicts rain which may be mixed with snow before 3 p.m. Wednesday night is forecasted to have a low of 30 degrees.

Thursday also has a chance of snow, and is forecasted to reach a low of 25 degrees at night. Friday and Saturday have a chance of rain and snow, with freezing temperatures around 31 degrees Friday night.

The city of Salem has seven heavy snow plows and several dump trucks ready to clear and treat major streets, and in icy conditions will treat bridges and roads with de-icer. See snow plow routes and details of the city’s winter weather response on their website.

Drivers should slow down, prepare for traffic and drive defensively in winter weather, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation. Check their TripCheck page for up to date information on road conditions throughout the state. The majority of Salem’s traffic cameras are back online as of January, after over a year of technical issues.

The Seed of Faith and the South Salem Friends Church will have warming shelters open tonight, according to the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency’s warming shelters navigation page.

See a guide to Salem warming shelter locations, hours and amenities here.

The Salem-Keizer School District typically announces school closures or delays by 5:30 a.m., district spokesman Aaron Harada said. Families will receive notification directly through ParentSquare, the district’s messaging system, and notification will also be posted on district social media channels.

If school start is delayed, schools will open at the times listed on this schedule, regardless of the day of the week, Harada said. Local schools already start one hour late on Wednesdays, and snow delay start times are one hour after the typical Wednesday start time.

The Oregon Health Authority’s website includes winter weather preparation and health tips to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. They recommend seeking warm locations to limit exposure on extremely cold days.

People with hypothermia may not know it’s happening, according to the heath authority. It can happen in cold outdoor weather under 50 degrees, especially with wet clothing.

Contact reporter Abbey McDonald: [email protected] or 503-575-1251.

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Abbey McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022. She previously worked as the business reporter at The Astorian, where she covered labor issues, health care and social services. A University of Oregon grad, she has also reported for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.

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