PORTLAND, Ore., March 13 (UPI) -- Trees were down and roads closed on the Oregon coast Tuesday after an unusual storm dumped as much as 8 inches of snow.
U.S. 101, which runs along the coast from Washington to California, was shut down in at least two places The (Portland) Oregonian reported. Major roads connecting the coast to the interior were also closed.
"At least 10 trees are partially in the highway. You see power lines down in several areas," said Lincoln County Emergency Manager Jenny Demaris, who spent an hour stuck on U.S. 20. "People should not be out traveling. It's not frozen, but there's definitely a lot of slush. Until this melts off, it's pretty much a mess."
The National Weather Service reported 8 inches of snow in Tillamook, 6 in Newport and 5 in Florence.
Ann Rakosi, the emergency manager in Coos County, said there were places where downed power lines and debris were buried under the snow. She said no one should drive unless absolutely necessary.
Accuweather.com predicted continued stormy weather for the northwest in the next few days with heavy rain along the coast from Washington to Northern California and snow in the Cascades and Sierras.
