And they call it global “warming.” This past decade climate change has shown its colors in many ways, including extreme winters. Oregonians experienced that for themselves in December of 2008, with a winter that closed roads and schools. While this blizzard is definitely not unique, it’s one for the record books.
Oregonians experienced a trio of storms that broke records in December of 2008.
Koocheekoo / Flickr Snow fall after snow fall crushed the Willamette Valley and up to metro Portland, which hadn’t had a white Christmas in decades.
There’s a scientific reason for this crazy climate event of course.
NOAA Website According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Pacific Coast experienced low atmospheric pressure, which let frigid air into the Colombia River Basin making its way into Portland.
At first, the snow fall was light and steady. But that was only the beginning.
Jeremy Wilburn / Flickr Towards the end of the month, a storm in the Gulf of Alaska dropped a foot of snow in Willamette Valley. Areas in Portland experienced over 30 inches of snow and six-foot drift piles.
With freezing temperatures, the snow created icy hazard roads. Entire Portland freeways shut down.
Oregon Department of Transportation / Flickr Even the main streets were dangerous to drive on.
Cars and buses alike quickly donned snow tires.
Steve Morgan / Wikimedia
Happy snow day, kids!
Jeremy Wilburn / Flickr Many Oregon schools closed down as temperatures continued to drop. Willamette Valley experienced temps in the low teens most of the month.
Even the Breitenbush River, in western Oregon, froze.
Lilbenne / Flickr
It sure is beautiful though.
Jeremy Wilburn / Flickr As Oregonians hunkered down to plow snow and stay warm, many enjoyed a white Christmas.
Extreme storms like these have become more common in recent years. Stay prepared and follow safety guidelines.
Koocheekoo / Flickr
Snow fall after snow fall crushed the Willamette Valley and up to metro Portland, which hadn’t had a white Christmas in decades.
NOAA Website
According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Pacific Coast experienced low atmospheric pressure, which let frigid air into the Colombia River Basin making its way into Portland.
Jeremy Wilburn / Flickr
Towards the end of the month, a storm in the Gulf of Alaska dropped a foot of snow in Willamette Valley. Areas in Portland experienced over 30 inches of snow and six-foot drift piles.
Oregon Department of Transportation / Flickr
Even the main streets were dangerous to drive on.
Steve Morgan / Wikimedia
Many Oregon schools closed down as temperatures continued to drop. Willamette Valley experienced temps in the low teens most of the month.
Lilbenne / Flickr
As Oregonians hunkered down to plow snow and stay warm, many enjoyed a white Christmas.
Have you experienced a recording breaking blizzard? Tell us about your experience.
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