Staying home is a good idea today!
Oh the weather outside is frightful… The National Weather Service tells the tale, with blustery gustery winds, bitter cold temperatures, and now snow. KGW adds to the tale.
I took a drive at 7:00 am this morning to get coffee and the wind gusts were fierce. I estimate at least 30 MPH, if not significantly more in localized bursts. (The next day, KOIN reported: “While Sunday’s wind speeds pale in comparison to Saturday’s gusts in the 50 to 74 mph range, dangerous wind chill is still the biggest concern for Sunday.”) Combined with the 15-to-18oF air temperature, conditions are deadly.
The very dry, blowing snow that began about 8:00 am is accumulating. Driving conditions are going to be very dangerous the next few days. Yesterday, I picked up some extra food on my drive from Olympia to Portland and today I’m glad I did!
Looks like we’re going to be stay-at-home folks for at least a couple of days.
Later…and now, power bumps as the wind and snow continue. We hear vehicles gunning their engines as they try to find traction on the extremely slick road surfaces!
And this afternoon, this:
Today is NOT the day to be travelling. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain will continue across the area through Saturday evening before gradually winding down Saturday night (however strong east winds will continue across the Portland/Vancouver metro and the Columbia River Gorge).
— NWS Portland (@NWSPortland) January 13, 2024
I have been interested in the natural world since a very early age. My first career as a mining and exploration geologist took me around the world. In 1992, I began to focus on the conservation of natural resources. I enjoy sailing, working with WordPress and Linux, and amateur radio. It probably goes without saying that I also like to travel!