A series of fronts will move through our region beginning today. The front this afternoon will mark a transition to a much cooler and wetter pattern with high temperatures around 10 to as much as 20 degrees below normal for this time of year.
As today’s front moves into our local region dry gusty winds are expected to develop prompting this red flag warning issued a short time ago for dangerous fire weather conditions.
Rain is also expected later today into the evening with roughly 0.25 inches or less expected in our local area.
More fronts will follow Thursday into Friday, but will be weaker in terms of winds and precipitation. Moderate mid-level westerly flow will favor precipitation along the coast, the Cascades and other north-south oriented terrain during this time. Snow levels will hover around 5000-6000 feet during this time, and we are expecting around 2-6 inches of snow in the Cascades from late Wednesday night through Friday night , with up to 8 inches possible for the highest peaks. Travel impacts should be minimal and restricted to the passes north of Highway 140.
ORZ624-625-170200-
/O.NEW.KMFR.FW.W.0012.191016T1800Z-191017T0200Z/
Klamath Basin and the Fremont-Winema National Forest-
South Central Oregon Desert including the BLM Land in Eastern Lake
and Western Harney Counties-
913 AM PDT Wed Oct 16 2019
…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR
STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 624 AND 625…
The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag
Warning…which is in effect until 7 PM PDT this evening.
* Impacts: Strong, gusty wind with low relative humidity and high fire
danger will likely contribute to a significant spread of new and
existing fires.
* Affected area: Mainly the higher terrain of southern Fire
Weather Zone 625 and southeastern Fire Weather Zone 624,
including the Hart and Warner Mountains.
* Wind: Southwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.
* Humidity: As low as 12 percent.
* View the hazard area in detail at:
https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/HAZARD
Precautionary/preparedness actions…
Strong winds and low relative humidities will cause fires to
spread very rapidly.
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are
either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong
winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create
extreme fire growth potential.
Expect possible winter driving conditions overnight in the higher elevations.
Overall, the precipitation is expected to be showery in nature. Accumulating snow depends on heavy showers hitting roadways in the higher elevations during the colder overnight hours. Black ice is also a possibility. Read more
Friday should be the peak day for activity but storms expected on Saturday as well. Some storms could become strong or severe.
A low pressure system is expected to create conditions that encourage thunderstorm development Friday and Saturday. The most active day should be Friday. Some storms could become severe as conditions will support organized storm development.
Significant lightning is expected during this time period raising concerns about possible new fire starts.
A significant cool down is also expected with highs barely reaching the 70’s on Saturday here locally.
A warmup and return to “normal” weather for this time of year is expected after the weekend.
Isolated thunderstorms are possible this afternoon as well, but the majority of the activity is expected over the weekend.
Fire weather warnings have been or will be posted in the region.
Friday severe weather risk outlook: Yellow shows slight risk of severe storms, dark green marginal risk of severe storms, light green indicates areas expected to develop non severe thunderstorms.
As always…. additional weather briefings and storm coverage is available in our breaking news app.
Fire Weather Watch issued August 07 at 9:29PM PDT until August 09 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Medford
…Increasing Fire Weather Risk Thursday and Friday…
.Another period of gusty winds and low relative humidity will develop Thursday afternoon and evening in the Fremont National Forest in south-central Oregon as well as the Klamath and Modoc National Forest in northeast California. Isolated thunderstorms will develop Thursday afternoon and evening in northern Klamath and Lake Counties, and also from the Warner Mountains eastward. Then, low pressure will move up from the south on Friday and could bring frequent lightning on dry fuels late Friday morning into Friday evening. Thunderstorms are expected to produce little or no rainfall to start, then the chance for wetting rain will increase Friday evening. Showers and isolated thunderstorms will continue Friday night into Saturday as the system moves onshore.
…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 9 PM PDT THURSDAY FOR STRONG WINDS AND LOW RH FOR FIRE ZONE 284 IN CALIFORNIA AND 624 IN OREGON…
…FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 284 IN CALIFORNIA AND 624 IN OREGON…
The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag Warning for strong winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 2 PM to 9 PM PDT Thursday for fire weather zones 284 in California and 624 in Oregon. The Fire Weather Watch for abundant lightning on dry fuels for Friday morning through Friday evening for fire weather zones 284 and 624 remains in effect.
* Impacts: Strong, gusty wind with low relative humidity and high fire danger will likely contribute to a significant spread of any new and existing fires Thursday afternoon and evening. On Friday, abundant lightning on dry fuels may produce numerous new starts that pose a threat to life and property, and may overwhelm initial attack capabilities. However, wetting rainfall may occur under cores of thunderstorms.
* Affected area in the Red Flag Warning for strong winds and low relative humidity: In Northern CA… The Klamath National Forest in northeast portions of fire zone 284. In South Central OR… The Fremont National Forest in south-central portion of fire zone 624.
* Affected area in the Fire Weather Watch: In Northern CA… the western part of Fire Zone 284 west of highway 97. In South Central OR… Fire Zone 624 mainly north and west of Kalamth Falls.
* Thunderstorms: Beginning late Friday morning, increasing in coverage through the afternoon and evening. Lightning coverage could increase to scattered as the day progresses.
* Winds Friday afternoon and evening: Generally south to southwest at 10 to 20 mph, but gusty and erratic winds are possible in the vicinity of showers and thunderstorms. Precautionary/preparedness actions…
* A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions will occur shortly.
* A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. &&
A Reminder Of Fireworks Safety Regulations For Oregon
WHAT FIREWORKS ARE LEGAL? Make sure your fireworks are legal in the state of Oregon. “Oregon Legal Consumer Fireworks”:
• Do not explode
• Do not fly into the air
• Do not travel more than 6 feet horizontally
• Do not travel more than 12 inches vertically
Mortars, Bottle Rockets, Roman Candles, Sky Lanterns, and Firecrackers are ILLEGAL in Oregon. So-called Sky Lanterns or Chinese Lanterns are extremely dangerous in that they can be carried away by the wind and can land anywhere.
ILLEGAL FIREWORKS CAN BE EXPENSIVE
Under Oregon law, officials may seize illegal fireworks and fine offenders up to $500 per violation. Any misuse of fireworks or use of fireworks causing damage carries liability for the offender, who may be required to pay fines and/or fire suppression costs. Offenders may also be arrested. Parents are liable for fireworks-caused damage from their children.
BE PREPARED BEFORE LIGHTING FIREWORKS!
• Use only fireworks legal in Oregon, purchased from licensed outlets.
• Always read and follow label directions.
• Place Pets indoors; they are easily frightened by fireworks.
• Always have water handy – a garden hose or a bucket of water.
• Light fireworks outdoors on a flat, clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass, and combustible materials.
BE SAFE WHEN LIGHTING FIREWORKS
Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances. Sparklers, considered by many the ideal “safe” firework for the young, burn at 1800 to 3000 degrees F and can easily ignite clothing. Children do not understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of an emergency.
Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay.
Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Place duds in a bucket of water and throw them away.
Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
Never ignite fireworks inside a container such as a bottle or a can.
Keep unused fireworks away from the area where you are lighting them.
Never have any portion of your body over a firework when lighting.
FIREWORKS RELATED INJURIES – FACTS (NFPA)
In 2007-2011, data from death certificates show that five people per year were killed directly by fireworks.
The risk of fireworks injury is two-and-a-half times as high for children ages 5-14 compared to all other ages. Sparklers accounted for the majority of injuries.
Under Oregon law, officials may seize illegal fireworks and fine offenders up to $500 per violation. Any misuse of fireworks or use of fireworks causing damage carries liability for the offender, who may be required to pay fines and/or fire suppression costs. Offenders may also be arrested. Parents are liable for fireworks-caused damage from their children.
BE PREPARED BEFORE LIGHTING FIREWORKS!
• Use only fireworks legal in Oregon, purchased from licensed outlets.
• Always read and follow label directions.
• Place Pets indoors; they are easily frightened by fireworks.
• Always have water handy – a garden hose or a bucket of water.
• Light fireworks outdoors on a flat, clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass, and combustible materials.
BE SAFE WHEN LIGHTING FIREWORKS
Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances. Sparklers, considered by many the ideal “safe” firework for the young, burn at 1800 to 3000 degrees F and can easily ignite clothing. Children do not understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of an emergency.
Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay.
Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Place duds in a bucket of water and throw them away.
Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
Never ignite fireworks inside a container such as a bottle or a can.
Keep unused fireworks away from the area where you are lighting them.
Never have any portion of your body over a firework when lighting.
FIREWORKS RELATED INJURIES – FACTS (NFPA)
In 2007-2011, data from death certificates show that five people per year were killed directly by fireworks.
The risk of fireworks injury is two-and-a-half times as high for children ages 5-14 compared to all other ages. Sparklers accounted for the majority of injuries.
Drivers should expect winter driving conditions this weekend throughout Southern Oregon on I-5 and throughout Cascade and coastal mountain passes. Read more
Multiple cold and wet weather systems are expected to impact our area beginning late tonight. The weather systems have the moisture and cold air to essentially turn on the “snow machine” over much of our region.
Above: Most of Oregon is currently under a winter storm watch or warning tonight
At the time of this post, nearly all of Oregon is under some sort of a winter weather advisory or warning. We reported earlier today on Pacific Power offering tips to prepare for the incoming snow storms.
Snow should begin overnight tonight and the heaviest snow for our area is expected Saturday morning into the afternoon. Here is the projected snowfall amounts for the Saturday storm.
• Coastal areas may see periods of snow down to the beaches, but the heaviest accumulations will be above 500 feet.
• Heaviest widespread snow Saturday morning into Saturday evening, then showers Saturday night into Sunday morning.
• Any snow that melts on roads during the day will likely refreeze at night, resulting in icy roads.
Snow Showers are expected to continue after the Saturday storm and here is the current thinking on snow amounts for Sunday into Monday.
The farther into the future we go the NWS has less confidence on snowfall amounts. However, the current forecast amounts follow for Monday-Wednesday here.
If the current forecast models are correct, it is very possible we will see on and off snow from tonight into next weekend. Looking at the totals in the higher elevations, we should make up some ground this week on our snow pack for sure.
According to the NWS some areas of our region may see more snow in a four day period than has been seen (in a four day period) in the past 50 years.
At the very least here are a few things to be prepared for:
Widespread snow throughout the region with snow covered roads and ice.
A decrease in emergency crew response time as they will likely be very busy and have slower response times due to road conditions.
POSSIBLE power outages in some areas
Winds up to 30mph in some areas blowing and drifting snow and possible white out conditions.
An extended period of accumulating snow.
As always, Klamath Alerts will continue to monitor the incoming storms and update as more information becomes available. Graphics are provided by NWS Medford.
An arctic cold front is approaching the area and region now. Snow levels are already reported down to near sea level in the Seattle, WA area at time of this posting. The approaching storm has origins in western Canada and is bringing very cold air with it.
The NWS says that exact snow amounts are difficult to predict with these types of storms because the precipitation is showery and terrain can enhance the snowfall amounts in some areas, while leaving other areas a short distance away with little or no snow.
The latest information from the NWS suggests that Klamath Falls will see roughly 5 inches if snow in most areas from this storm. Expect widespread winter driving conditions and very cold weather behind this storm. Highs for the next couple of days are only forecast near freezing. Depending on clearing Tuesday we could be looking at low temperatures in the single digits for our area.
Dangerous Travel Conditions Expected Tonight And Monday:
Because of the extended shower activity and cold air, any melting snow during the day Monday will rapidly convert to ice Monday evening.
Widespread travel impacts for most highways and area roads due to snow:
○ Roads above 2000 feet this evening.
○ Roads above 1000 feet tonight.
○ Roads down to 500 feet by Monday morning.
○ Coastal areas may see periods of snow down to the beaches but expect only brief and light snow on roads.
● Snow is possible all the way down to 500 feet Monday morning.
● Heaviest snow expected tonight into Monday morning then scattered to numerous light to moderate showers into Monday evening.
● Below freezing temperatures across southern Oregon and northern California Tuesday morning. (Teens east of the cascades, 20s west of the Cascades) Could be near freezing at the coast.
● Any snow that melts on roads during the day Monday will likely refreeze Monday night, resulting in icy roads.
*Travel is strongly discouraged during a winter storm because conditions could become dangerous.
*If you must travel tomorrow, especially over the passes, be sure to take an emergency supply kit containing food, water, medications, blankets, flashlight with batteries, and a fully charged phone with phone charger with you.
*Check road conditions before you go. Check www.tripcheck.com for
The NWS Medford says that snow showers will begin to diminish later this evening and partial clearing will occur. As skies begin to clear, temperatures will drop and slushy and snowy roads will turn to ice. A forecasted low of 24 tonight for the local Klamath Falls area will provide very icy conditions well into Monday morning.
The concern with icy roads also includes some areas west of the Cascades in the lower valleys for those of you who may be traveling that way tomorrow. Tripcheck.com and The NWS have updates regarding these and other warnings.
Klamath Alerts has been tracking multiple slide offs and injury accidents in Klamath County this afternoon on Highway 97, Highway 58, Highway 140 East, and other areas.
Please use extreme caution while driving tonight and into the morning hours. Plan on a slippery morning commute and consider leaving yourself extra time in the morning so you don’t feel rushed to your destination.
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 06 at 2:19PM PST until January 07 at 9:00AM PST by NWS Medford
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM PST MONDAY…
* WHAT… Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches, with localized amounts up to 9 inches are expected.
* WHERE… Most of Klamath County and Western and southern Lake County. This includes Davis Creek, Willow Ranch, Highway 395 from Davis Creek north, Highway 395 between Lakeview and Valley Falls, highway 140 east of Dairy northwest of Klamath Falls and highway 97 north of Modoc Point.
* WHEN… Until 9 AM PST Monday.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS… Plan on difficult travel conditions. Windy conditions will accompany the snow at times over the high terrain, and damage to trees is possible. Snow covered roads and significant reductions in visibility are expected. Snow will decrease later this evening, but roads will remain snow covered and icy into Monday morning.
* View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/HAZARD
* Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination.
* Carry tire chains and be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities.
* See https://www.tripcheck.com or http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov for latest road conditions.
* A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means that periods of snow will cause travel difficulties.
Two seniors from Mazama High School and one senior from Lost River Junior-Senior High School were among 10 Oregon students nominated by U.S. Rep. Greg Walden for acceptance to prestigious U.S. military service academies. Read more
Very icy conditions are reported on Crescent Cutoff Road. There have been two roll over traffic accidents on that highway this afternoon. One was at mile post 6 and the other more recent MVA was at milepost 8. Please use caution if you plan on driving in that area this afternoon or evening. A sand truck has been requested for the area but there is no ETA of when the sand might be put down.
The city of Klamath Falls is looking for a new police officer. Applications are being accepted until November 27th, 2018 at 5pm.
The City of Klamath Falls Police Department is accepting applications for Police Officer. This position is responsible for patrol and investigative law enforcement activities. Salary of $4,684-$5,749 per month DOE with additional incentive packages up to 12% of base salary plus an excellent benefits package and a professional work environment, making this position extremely competitive.
Required: Be a citizen of the United States or a nonimmigrant legally admitted to the United States under a Compact of Free Association within 18 months of hire date, minimum 21 years of age, high school diploma or GED, and a valid driver license. A Bachelor’s Degree, law enforcement experience and/or military experience is preferred but not required. Reserve or lateral transfer preferred. Job offers for this position are contingent on the individual passing a pre-employment drug screen, background investigation, psychological exam, DPSST fitness and written tests. Signing bonus of up to $1,000 upon successful completing of testing and training.
Visit www.klamathfalls.city for full job description, application, and important information about the testing process. Applications must be submitted to the City of Klamath Falls Human Resources and may be submitted one of the following ways: Hand deliver to 226 S. 5th Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601; Mail to PO Box 237, Klamath Falls, OR 97601; email: tthompson@klamathfalls,city; or fax to (541) 883-5395.
The deadline to apply is November 27, 2018 at 5:00pm. We DO NOT accept applications through Facebook.
Weather Outlook for July 15th, 2018 – Thunderstorms
Heat, monsoon moisture, and atmospheric instability will favor widespread thunderstorm development over our region today. Based on forecasts from the NWS the storms should start to fire around 2pm today.
Dry conditions on the ground with gusty winds near thunderstorms could create dangerous conditions for new fire starts. Fire crews are watching this close. A red flag warning is also in effect today over the region for dangerous fire conditions.
If you are outdoors today keep in mind new fires can start and spread quickly with the current conditions we have. We should see widespread thunderstorm activity this afternoon over Northern California and Southern Oregon. The activity will mostly be east of the Cascades according to current forecasts.
A series of storms is expected to impact our region beginning tonight. Up to 2 feet of snow is expected at Crater Lake and 17″ at Lake of Woods. The National Weather Service is advising people to use caution if traveling in the region during this time. A ridge of high pressure is expected to develop by Monday bringing in much nicer weather for spring break.
A winter storm warning has just been issued for our region.
From the NWS Medford:
Moderate to heavy snow will impact southern Oregon and northern California tonight into Friday. Snow will be wet and heavy and could cause tree limbs/branches to break. Power outages are possible. Heaviest snow will fall in the mountains above 2000 feet, and could fall in the valleys on Friday night. Be prepared for snow-covered and slippery roads and reduced visibility. Roads affected will be I-5, US Highway 97, US Highway 395, Highway 3, Highway 62, Highway 140, and more.
This will create very hazardous travel with slippery, snow covered roads, and periods of poor visibility due to moderate to heavy snow.
If you must travel, carry emergency kit with chains, flashlight, batteries, blankets, food, water, and medications. Be prepared for wintry travel conditions and be sure to check road conditions before venturing out.
You can call 511 for Oregon or California road conditions (while you’re in either state), or visit their websites listed below.
