What’s happening on the west coast of Oregon as the state braces for a winter storm
The west coast is in a state of emergency.
The Oregon Coast National Guard is in place and the National Weather Service is predicting up to three inches of snow in the state.
The weather service says it’s expecting up to eight inches of that snowfall to fall over parts of central Oregon and the southern Cascade Mountains.
“We expect to have about 10 to 12 inches in the Portland area,” said Sgt. John Smith, the commanding officer of the Coast Guard’s Snow Rescue Unit.
Oregon is in the midst of a massive winter storm that’s sweeping across the West Coast.
It’s forecast to bring snow, ice and ice, heavy rain and hail, and high winds.
On Wednesday, the Weather Service said it could see up to one inch of snow, and winds of 70 mph or more were possible.
More snow could be expected on Thursday.
The forecast is also for gusts up to 60 mph in some areas.
The Coast Guard has a fleet of Coast Guard aircraft ready to help with storm relief efforts, and they’re flying into Portland to help the National Guard.
The Coast Guard says there are three planes available, and one will be used to rescue stranded people.
It’s unclear if the Coast Guards crews are used to doing this type of operation, but Smith said they are prepared.
In addition to helicopters, Coast Guard planes are taking passengers in tow, Smith said.
The flights are taking place in areas of southern Oregon, including Eugene, and some are scheduled to end on Thursday night.
