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Cold, snow expected through Christmas

Thursday, December 18, 2008 10:59 AM PST

By Greg Garrison

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The arctic chill that blasted lowland Cowlitz County with three to four inches of snow Wednesday could dump another four inches to the valley bottoms Thursday and keep the area in an icebox until Christmas Day, forecasters say. All area school districts cancelled classes Thursday, and icy roads and the forecast for more snow prompted officials to shut down Cowlitz County’s court system.

After dodging the weekend snow storm that hit to the north, Cowlitz and Columbia counties took the brunt of Wednesday’s snowstorm.

“You’re one of the big winners today,” said Andy Bryant of the National Weather Service in Portland.

Up to 30 inches of snow was expected in the Cascade Range on Wednesday night.

The Olympic Mountains helped shield the central Puget Sound region from the snow that fell Wednesday to the north and south, according to University of Washington weather expert Cliff Mass.

After Thursday’s snowfall, Friday should bring clearer weather by colder temperatures, which are expected to dip to the low teens and perhaps as low as 10 degrees Friday night. Another wave of snow is expected this weekend, the last shopping weekend before Christmas and the first weekend of school winter break.

Temperatures reached a low of 14 around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, still above the 1964 record for the date: 10 degrees.

Temperatures are not expected to get above freezing until at least Monday.

No road closures were reported Wednesday afternoon, and the state did not impose any tire chain requirements on local highways. However, city streets were slick and icing over. Snow and freezing temperatures led to dozens of minor traffic accidents during Wednesday’s morning commute. No serious injuries were reported locally, but in Oregon a 60-year-old Amity man died when his sled ran into the path of a pickup.

The Washington State Patrol and Cowlitz County sheriff’s office said most of the local traffic incidents took place on I-5 between Woodland and Castle Rock.

Grover Laseke, the sheriff’s emergency management director, said the biggest problem spots on city and county roads have been the bridges, particularly the Allen Street Bridge in Kelso. He said several vehicles have spun out trying to make it across.

“Any place you’ve got a bridge it’s gonna be slippery,” Laseke said.

The snowy main roads in Kelso and Longview gave way to slush early Wednesday evening from vehicle travel, but they’ll likely turn to slippery ice overnight.

Laseke recommends that those who do need to drive should carry emergency supplies such as water, blankets and food. He also recommends drivers fill up their gas tanks before heading out on their commutes in case they get stuck or encounter long delays.

The Thursday morning commute in the Portland metro area is expected to be tougher with temperatures dipping below freezing overnight. Portland officials recommend workers take mass transit.

State and county road crews have been working 24 hours a day in 12-hour shifts since Saturday. They spent most of Wednesday plowing and sanding major arterials and intersections around the Longview-Kelso area.

“Looks like we’ll be on this shift for awhile,” Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance technician Aaron Yanez said during a short afternoon break at the agency’s maintenance shop along Talley Way in Kelso.

Yanez said most drivers out on the roads were handling slick conditions well. “Everybody’s been real light-footed, which is appreciated,” he said.

Road crews are preparing for a busy stretch and ask drivers to have patience.

“When we get snow to the valley floor, it taxes us more than usual,” said Neal Deckman, road operations manager for the Cowlitz County Public Works Department. “They’re going as fast as they can.”

Mike DeSpain, vice president of Carl’s Towing Service in Longview, said he’s received a steady stream of calls since early Wednesday morning.

“It is crazy out there,” DeSpain said midday Wednesday. “There’s cars all up and down the freeway. I’ve got eight guys out right now, and it’s gonna be constant all day.”

Cowlitz PUD responded to one weather-related power outage Wednesday, when 22 customers lost power on Ross Road in the Carrolls area at 9:20 a.m.

“A fuse in an overhead line burned up,” PUD spokesman Dave Andrew said. “That can happen with higher demand for electricity and equipment that’s getting older.”

The Cowlitz Community Network has opened a shelter for homeless people at 300 N. Fourth Ave. in Kelso. Coordinator Liz Haeck said the shelter, which also will provide meals, will remain open until weather conditions improve.

Haeck said there are no restrictions for those seeking a dry place to stay.

“We’ll take anybody with a need,” she said.

Bryant, the Weather Service meteorologist, said people should brace themselves for a cold weekend.

“It’s going to stay real cold Friday and Saturday,” he said. “Then we’ll get another shot of Arctic air and another storm system and possibly some pretty strong winds also. We may see a transition to not-as-cold temperatures around Christmas.”

Beat the cold: Save the pipes and the pets

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Beavis Carries a .45 wrote on Dec 18, 2008 7:30 AM:

" BRING IT ON MOTHER NATURE! YOU'VE GOT NOTHING I CAN'T DRIVE IN. I'VE GOT A 12 INCH LIFT ON MY SUPERDUTY, FRONT AND REAR LOCKER WITH 42 INCH STUDDED SWAMPERS, PLUS A FRONT WINCH AND A REAR WINCH. SO I'M GONNA DRIVE AROUND ALL DAY FLYING UP AND DOWN EVERY ROAD AND HILL, CONQUERING THEM ALL!!! LATER PEEPS!!! "

JUST ME!! wrote on Dec 18, 2008 8:16 AM:

" Beavis thanks for the chuckle this am....Get- r -Done and of course>> Watch out Here comes BEAVIS!!!!!
HEHE "

Eman wrote on Dec 18, 2008 8:32 AM:

" I'm with Beavis; screw work let's go play...Yee Hooo!!! "

applepie wrote on Dec 18, 2008 8:56 AM:

" Hey there Beavis. I wounder if you also have room in the cab of your 250 for your head? Do you have to leave it hanging out the window? "

JUST ME!! wrote on Dec 18, 2008 9:06 AM:

" ewwww...apple pie left a sour feeling i my tummy...hehe "

speak into the microphone wrote on Dec 18, 2008 9:21 AM:

" Big Truck little ( ) syndrome. Does your Ford come with the heated tailgate option so when people push you out of the ditch or when your ford is broke down so they wont get their hands cold? By the way more Fords for sale in truck trader than any other vehicle,,,hahaha "

argoman wrote on Dec 18, 2008 9:32 AM:

" Pulled a super duty out last saturday that mathches that description. Sorry Beave your truck is way too heavy for the snow and the mud. I will put my Chevy,jeep,8 wheel drive amphibious and 2 wheel drive rokon against your found on roadside ditch anytime,anywhere,,,, "

Louie wrote on Dec 18, 2008 10:37 AM:

" The comments above about going out and acting like a maniac is exactly why I do not want to go out on the roads when it is snowing.
Yesterday a man who was sledding down a country road with his family happened to get hit by a guy driving a truck. The sledder died at the scene.
A lesson to take heed to you drivers who haven't a clue. "

The1Who wrote on Dec 18, 2008 10:47 AM:

" I hope beave dont drink and drive!!! He sounds rather recless!!!Most people who have trucks like that do drink,then cant resist getting behind the wheel...But isnt that the case with most everyone who drinks andnaturaly likes to drive... Please be carefull everyone and remember,accidents do happen and it aint always gunna be your fault... God bless... "

DUH wrote on Dec 18, 2008 1:03 PM:

" The1Who... "Most people who have trucks like that do drink,then cant resist getting behind the wheel." WHAT? Where did you get those statistics? Your back pocket? I own a Ford F250 4WD and I don't drink. I don't do drugs. I do go out on snowy days, as I have for the last 10 years, and pull people out of ditches free of charge. Who knows, you are probably one that I have pulled out or will pull out in the future. "

bucketball wrote on Dec 18, 2008 1:05 PM:

" They shut down the court system. I wonder how many criminals are going to get a "get out of jail free" card because they were not properly arraigned within 72 hours? "

SHAKER wrote on Dec 18, 2008 1:15 PM:

" My Ford has a heated tailgte so those Chevy & Dodge owners can warm their butts while I pull them out. "

awayatcollege wrote on Dec 18, 2008 1:19 PM:

" The only problem with the snow is that I can't get home! so why you all get to have fun in it I am stuck! Trains are sold out and there is no way that I am driving! So I hope that you all hae a wonderful WHITE CHRISTMAS with your families! While I spend it alone! "

Beavis Carries a .45 wrote on Dec 18, 2008 1:43 PM:

" Hey ya'll!!! Just taking a timeout from 4xing and sittin' over here at the Shamrock throwing a few cold ones back. As soon as my buddies and I leave here, I gots to go fill up the thirsty superduty. That thing sure sucks down the gas. Well, we've been terrorizing the snow all over Longview and Kelso. I think it's about time we head up towards Mt. St. Helens and get into the deeper stuff. If ya a couple of huge superduties, one white, one red, give us a big holla. Butthead in the red one and I am obviously in the white one. See ya in the deep white stuff........ "

who am I? wrote on Dec 18, 2008 2:04 PM:

" awayatcollege, I hope there is a way for you to get home for christmas after all. things turn around fast around here. don't give up yet. "

argoman wrote on Dec 18, 2008 3:03 PM:

" I have heard it all,most people that have trucks like that do drink? 20 watt light bulb comment, I might poke light hearted fun at ford owners ( I even owned a couple till they left me stranded)drink a couple for me Beavis! "

Realist wrote on Dec 18, 2008 3:03 PM:

" Awayatcollege-hang in there! Who am I is right- things change around here pretty quickly. Don't give up hope yet. Christmas is several days away- check this old Folgers commercial out- and remember, anything can happen. Good luck and Merry Christmas.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfZEZM2Bgh4 "

KD wrote on Dec 18, 2008 4:05 PM:

" So.... Beavis is officially driving under the influence and bragging about it. I hope Away at College makes it home, but also makes it back to school. Clearly there's a serious lack of education going on with the people who frequent the comment boards. Try reading your posts out loud: they make NO SENSE. Happy Kwanzaa :). "

El Gabilon wrote on Dec 18, 2008 4:38 PM:

" We view the action of the schools, courts etc., as pathetic regarding a few inches of snow. The truth of the matter is that Cowlitz County is ill prepared to handle snow, and the citizens of Longview and elsewhere are too lazy to do what has to be done. We noticed very few sidewalks were shoveled. Very few streets ploughed. A number of chldren out "sleding". In Minnisota nothing short of a blizzard would close public schools. Prior to leaving home for our usual five mile walk, we cleared the stairs, and shoveled the snow from the sidewalk and moved along very nicely until we got to Mint Valley School. At this point, what we would call a misguided "Mr Big Shot" in a red pickup sped out of the Mint Valley School Yard slipping and sliding, increasing speed, failing to stop at the exit of the school and proceeding up 38th street towards Pacific where three or four children were sledding. Because 38th street was not ploughed we would predict that tomorrow morning it will be iced over and vehicles will have a difficult time climbing this hill. We suggest to the City of Longview and Kelso that you enact an ordanance that requires residents to clear the sidewalks of snow within 24 hours, and that a fine be imposed for not doing so. Lazyness is a disease. We have an epidemic in Longview. "

tally ho wrote on Dec 18, 2008 6:32 PM:

" El Gabilon - And just what do you propose the elderly and disabled do about their snow covered walkways.
Don't answer that they could hire someone, because many of those are on very limited incomes and cannot afford shelling out the extra money. Instead, they stay inside and hope the weather changes soon.
Personally I hope "Mr Big Shot" gets his before he ends up injuring or even killing someone. There's never a police officer around when you need them. "

towboater wrote on Dec 18, 2008 6:48 PM:

" THURS 1900:
Why bother with even considering FRIDAY SCHOOL, they get out at 1300 anyway? "

lola*in*Longview wrote on Dec 18, 2008 7:56 PM:

" It isn't too often that we get snow like this, therefore we are not prepared. This does not meen we are lazy, it means that we don't spend tons of cash on snow shovels or whatever else one may need. As for the schools shutting down, they do this for the safety of the children on buses, riding in cars, and walking in it. The roads are icy and it is just too risky to open the doors. If they leave school open when we have snowy and icy roads and one child dies it would be devistating to everyone in the school, and the majority of the town. One life taken is one too much when the doors could stay closed and kids could stay home SAFE. If you fail to understand saving lifes of school children El Gabilon then I feel sorry for your cold heart. "

littlemikey wrote on Dec 18, 2008 8:33 PM:

" Ill trust my little S-10 Blazer to get around better than an oversized mega lifted overweighted Stupid Duty. I work on those trucks all the time and its allways same tissues on a different owner truck. Good luck and have fun Beavis Carries a .45 and stop by someday so I can inspect your front end before it falls apart. "

DW wrote on Dec 19, 2008 7:59 AM:

" Well, since we now know that global warming causes it to snow in Cowblitz county, we should prepare for years of endless snowfall in the fall, winter and spring. I will keep my big 12 mpg 4X4 chevy, drive normal and make it to work everyday, even though the half the city is shut down. Damn this global warming thing, I'm having way to much fun in the snow to worry about how much my trucks giant tail pipe is spewing CO2 into the air so cheney119 can breath it in when he is riding his schwinn..... "

tigersmom wrote on Dec 19, 2008 9:52 AM:

" As an ex-Longview-ite.. I now live in the Tri-Cities area.. right now it is 0 and supposed to get down to -12 with the 25mph winds.. NO SNIVELING!! :-))
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY 2009! "

golfer wrote on Dec 19, 2008 10:15 AM:

" Chevy builds a pick-up, Ford builds a truck. "

cheney119 wrote on Dec 19, 2008 11:01 AM:

" I look at the trucks and big truck based SUV's and just laugh. I drove my Nissan over Columbia Heights and down Lone Oak yesterday, the road was too slick to walk on but the car did fine with chains on, despite having to negotiate around the lady in the 4wd SUV stuck in the ditch. "

DW wrote on Dec 19, 2008 11:51 AM:

" You got that right cheney119, those darn women drivers!! They Can't even get 'er done in a big giant SUV, while you can negotiate glaciers in your little put put car with a bike rack on top. You go Cheney!! "

DW wrote on Dec 19, 2008 11:59 AM:

" I can't wait until the global warming really kicks in this weekend and we get a foot of snow. I'll picking up my employees that don't want to drive. My big 4X4 chevy,(that doesn't need chains), would climb trees if I asked it to. Heck maybe I could get it to knock down a couple of those trees with a marbled merlet, or a spotted owl roosting in it. Seriously though, I can't wait until the snow comes, this is going to be a very fun weekend. Then the stores are gonna be packed with shoppers when the thaw comes next week. I love it when my store is packed and all the checkstands are running with lines. The day goes by fast......Let 'er rip!!! "

DW wrote on Dec 19, 2008 2:12 PM:

" golfer, you know what the acronym for FORD is don't you?? Fix Or Repair Daily. hehehe "

Cheney119 wrote on Dec 19, 2008 2:13 PM:

" What's so amusing about riding a bicycle? I've ridden over 25,000 miles, Oregon Coast 4 times, Seattle to Portland 5 times, Tour De Blast 3 times, and Red Robbin Tour of Colorado. Name one thing you ever did athletically. I'll bet nothing but run your mouth and drive a 4x4 around in circles, that takes a well developed ankle. "

DW wrote on Dec 19, 2008 3:51 PM:

" Cheney119 don't get yourself in a dither!! I held my high schrool record in the pole vault, was quarter back of our football team, the prettiest cheerleader was my girl friend and I have probably put 25,000 miles on my feet working so you can fill you pie hole with prime rib and have enough pasta to ride your schwinn another 25K. hehehe I have also been a single parent and raised two kids pretty much on my own for the last 20 years, working full time and sometime 2 jobs. so neener neener. Plus I can't wait for the snow..............let 'er rip!!!! "

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