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| 3/16/2005 |
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MOTORISTS URGED BE AWARE OF HAZARDS CAUSED BY WINDY WEATHER
For more information contact Julianne Repman (541) 388-6224
At 1:09 p.m. today, the National Weather Service in Pendleton, Oregon issued a High Wind Warning for much of the state. This warning is expected to remain in effect through midnight Thursday.
Emergency responders are reporting sudden bursts of blowing dust resulting in near zero visibility and wind gusts causing trees to blow onto highway shoulders and into travel lanes across the region. The Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon State Police ask drivers to follow these tips for driving in windy, low-visibility conditions:
- Be aware of crews working to remove hazards from the roadway.
- Slow down and be aware of changing conditions.
- Be ready for emergency stops by other vehicles.
- Avoid entering any area if you cannot see a safe distance ahead.
- If you suddenly encounter reduced visibility, pull off the pavement as far as possible. Stop, turn on your lights, set the emergency brake, and take your foot off the brake to be sure the tail lights are not illuminated. Turn on emergency flashers. Be aware of traffic behind you.
- If stopped, stay in your vehicle until you are sure that others can see you.
- Never stop on the traveled portion of the roadway.
- Before you leave home take a moment to tell a friend where you are going, your planned route, and when you will return. Tell them to call the police if you do not return on time and they do not hear from you.
- During threatening weather, listen to radio or television, adjust travel plans accordingly, and drive with extra caution.
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