UPDATE: Christmas Eve wind storm expected to be less severe

Update, Dec. 24, 9 a.m.: Salem is in for a windy day, but peak gusts will be less severe than originally forecast, the National Weather Service said Wednesday morning.

South winds of 10 to 25 mph are expected, with gusts up to 35 to 50 mph, a revised wind advisory said. The advisory is in effect through 4 p.m. in Salem, with windy weather expected to begin late Wednesday morning.

Original story below:

High winds will make Christmas Eve travel hazardous, whether by car or by flying sleigh.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory lasting from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, with gusts in the Salem area expected to reach up to 55 mph, comparable to last week’s winter storm.

Salem is expected to see the strongest winds mid and late morning, according to a weather service graphic.

The winds could lead to power outages, fallen trees and broken branches, said meteorologist Hannah Chandler-Cooley with the weather service. There’s also a 10% chance the wind gusts could get as high as 70 mph.

“We’re just urging people to prepare ahead of time for any potential power outages, and also be cautious if traveling tomorrow, especially driving during these winds,” she said.

See up-to-date outage announcements on Portland General Electric, Salem Electric and Pacific Power’s websites.

As of Tuesday morning, there’s a chance of rain Wednesday through Friday. There’s no flooding expected in Salem this week, Chandler-Cooley said. 

The soil is still saturated from last week’s storm, she said.

“That’ll make it a little easier for some trees to become uprooted,” she said.

The weather service is advising people to secure outdoor decorations ahead of the wind gusts.

City crews are preparing for a strong wind storm response, with tree, parks operations and traffic signal crews ready, city spokesman Jason Roberts said. Dispatchers are ready to field calls. Residents can report issues like downed trees to the city’s public works dispatch line at 503-588-6311 or  email [email protected].

City water changes

Starting Wednesday, drinking water may look, smell and taste different due to last week’s storms, the city of Salem said in a Facebook post. It will be especially noticeable in West Salem.

“Recent storms have limited drinking water production capabilities at the city’s Geren Island Water Treatment Facility. In response, we will pump about 5 million gallons per day from the city of Keizer’s water system. This will account for about 20% of the average daily demand during this time of year,” the statement said. Salem is also drawing on its wells.

It will be safe to drink, the city statement said, and the change will last until the North Santiam River clears of mud.

Potential travel hazards

The weather is expected to be rougher in other parts of the state. On Monday, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management warned that snow, rain and high winds will make travel hazardous over Oregon’s mountain passes, on the coast, and along the Interstate 5 corridor.

Those traveling across the Cascade Mountains will likely encounter slick roads and reduced visibility in addition to the wind gusts. Snow showers are expected above 2,500 feet of elevation.

The Coast Range will also see strong winds, and beaches could see gusts up to 70 mph. There’s also a chance of coastal thunderstorms. 

Travelers can check the Oregon Department of Transportation’s TripCheck page or call 511 to get road conditions and chain requirements.

Drivers should expect delays. The Department of Emergency Management recommends filling up gas tanks and signing up for the state’s emergency alerts system. 

The department recommends packing an emergency car kit, including blankets, water and non-perishable food, a flashlight, chains and traction devices, an ice scraper and shovel, a first-aid kit, a phone charger with backup power, sand or kitty litter for tire traction and a hand-crank weather radio.

Never pass a snowplow on the road, and give them plenty of following distance, said the department. For more winter driving tips, see the Oregon Department of Transportation’s winter safety page. 

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

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