Winter Storm — Western Columbia River Gorge, Washington

2009-12-11 to 2009-12-12 · Western Columbia River Gorge, Washington

Event narrative

The Department of Transportation closed Interstate 84 from Troutdale to Hood River for dangerous icy conditions on the roadway. Given the conditions of the storm, it is safe to assume the same dangerous conditions were present on state highway 14 in Washington. Broadcast media did report the highway was closed to truck traffic between Washougal and White Salmon.

Wider weather episode

With abnormally cold air already in place over much of southwest Washington, a storm system advanced across the region, bringing heavy precipitation, which fell as ice over many areas. Many major highways and interstates were closed due to icy conditions causing travel to be treacherous.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 205238. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.