Josephine County, OR

Winter Storms

RVEM
/ Categories: HOME, Know Your Hazards
Winter Storms 4185

Winter can bring weather such as snow, ice, freezing temperatures and windstorms. Being prepared for these types of emergencies can save lives!

Weather Terminology

Winter Storm Watch - A watch is used when forecasters believe it is likely that hazardous weather will occur, but are still unsure about its location and/or timing. A watch is issued to give people time to prepare
for the event.

Winter Storm Warning - A warning is used when forecasters believe that hazardous weather is imminent, or very likely to occur. A warning is used for conditions that would threaten lives or property.

TIP: Always tell someone where you are going, when you are leaving, your expected arrival time and the route you are taking when traveling.

During a Storm:

  • Eat regularly and drink ample fluids. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Dehydration can happen easily during freezing temperatures.
  • Listen to your NOAA weather radio or your local radio station for weather reports and emergency information.

If You Go Outside:

  • Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Make sure the outer layer is water and wind-proof.
  • Wear mittens or gloves.
  • Wear a hat.
  • Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extremely cold air.
  • Avoid overexertion if possible. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack - a major cause of winter deaths. Stretch before any strenuous activity and take plenty of breaks.

After a Storm:

  • Check your home for any structural damage, or damage to utilities. If in doubt, ask a building inspector or call your utility company.
  • Replenish any items used.

Winter Preparedness Tips

  • Keep rock salt on hand to melt ice from walkways around your house.
  • Ensure that outside pets have adequate shelter from the elements. Check their water bowls often and keep them from freezing.
  • Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel or an alternate heat source in case the power goes out. Do not use portable gas heaters or charcoal grills for heating in closed areas.
  • Insulate your pipes to keep them from freezing.
  • Winterize your home by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
  • Have your vehicle winterized and use traction tires or carry tire chains. Don't let your gas tank fall below half full.
  • Carry a Car Kit with emergency equipment for your vehicle.
  • Carry a Go Kit with emergency equipment for you and your passengers.
  • Check battery-powered items in your emergency kits and make sure you have plenty of spare batteries.
  • If it is freezing outside, keep an inside faucet turned on to a steady drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
TIP: When packing clothing, it's preferable to include layers rather than one warm, heavy coat or jacket. It's also better to be prepared with polypropylene, wool, silk or other non- cotton fabrics. Cotton retains moisture and loses all insulating qualities when wet.

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Josephine County
Emergency Management
500 NW 6th Street
Grants Pass, OR 97526
em@josephinecounty.gov
541-474-5300

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Josephine County Emergency Management
3/17/2025
1 0
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Josephine County Emergency Management
3/16/2025
21 1
The weekend's excessive rainfall in Southern Oregon has created widespread road-related impacts on county-maintained roads. Nearly all areas of the county road system are being impacted. Known problem areas as of 1:30PM Sunday - Lower River Road @ Hunt Lane is closed due to high water. Gene Brown Road, O'Brien, closed due to high water Pleasant Valley Road, between Merlin Road and Tavis Road, closed due to high water Upper River Road @ Ft Vannoy School, high water 7000-8000 block of North Applegate Road, near Noble Dairy, significant debris across road, proceed with caution. This is NOT an all-inclusive list, as conditions continue to change. Drivers are reminded to limit travel to essential activities and allow themselves extra time to get to their destination. Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters. People underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in cars swept downstream. Many of these drownings are preventable. Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road. The road may have collapsed under that water. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters. Residents can get information on sandbag suppliers at www.rvem.org/News/sandbags-faq" target="_blank">https://www.rvem.org/News/sandbags-faq For other safety tips www.rvem.org Turn Around Don’t Drown, National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown
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Josephine County Emergency Management
3/16/2025
22 1
The weekend's excessive rainfall in Southern Oregon has created widespread road-related impacts on county-maintained roads. Nearly all areas of the county road system are being impacted. Known problem areas as of 1:30PM Sunday - Lower River Road @ Hunt Lane is closed due to high water. Gene Brown Road, O'Brien, closed due to high water Pleasant Valley Road, between Merlin Road and Tavis Road, closed due to high water Upper River Road @ Ft Vannoy School, high water 7000-8000 block of North Applegate Road, near Noble Dairy, significant debris across road, proceed with caution. This is NOT an all-inclusive list, as conditions continue to change. Drivers are reminded to limit travel to essential activities and allow themselves extra time to get to their destination. Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters. People underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in cars swept downstream. Many of these drownings are preventable. Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road. The road may have collapsed under that water. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters. Residents can get information on sandbag suppliers at www.rvem.org/News/sandbags-faq" target="_blank">https://www.rvem.org/News/sandbags-faq Other information about floods and safety tips www.rvem.org Turn Around Don’t Drown, National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown
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Josephine County Emergency Management
3/16/2025
4 0
UPDATE: 2/25/25 10:00am: Wayne has been located safely. * Date of Report: 02/24/2025 Case: 25-4214 Name: Wayne David Morris Age: 76 Sex: Male Race: White Height: 5'5" Weight: 180 Hair: Gray Eyes: Blue Information: Wayne was reported missing late Monday night. He was last seen on Vine Street around 3:00pm on 2/24/25. He was driving a gray 2020 Chevrolet Silverado with OR license plate 593MMB. The OnStar app shows the vehicle's last known location to be in the Hog Creek area around 4:30pm later that day. SAR has been activated. Please contact the Josephine County Sheriff's Office with any information. Phone: 541-474-5123
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Josephine County Emergency Management
2/25/2025
15 0
Update 02/03/2025 12:30pm: ODOT: SW Oregon: I-5 NB, MP 66: UPDATE - Crews have cleared stalled trucks in the northbound lanes of Interstate 5, 8 miles north of Grants Pass. Expect continued delays throughout the area due to winter conditions. Avoid travel until conditions improve. Visibility is limited; turn on headlights. Check road conditions at https://tripcheck.com/" target="_blank">https://tripcheck.com/ . More Info ODOT: SW Oregon: I-5 NB, MP 66: Expect delays in the northbound lanes of Interstate 5, 8 miles north of Grants Pass while crews work to clear stalled trucks blocking the road. Visibility is limited. Postpone travel until conditions improve. Do not detour on local or forest roads. Expect delays throughout the area due to winter conditions. Check road conditions at https://tripcheck.com/" target="_blank">https://tripcheck.com/ . More Info
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Josephine County Emergency Management
2/3/2025
13 0
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