WASHINGTON and OREGON – A winter storm socked it to the west side of Washington and Oregon, prompting both Gov. Kate Brown and Gov. Jay Inslee to declare states of emergency yesterday. Inslee’s declaration is for the entire state, as the Yakima River at Kiona is expected to flood over the weekend. Brown’s declaration is for 13 counties.
Interstate 5 in Washington had been shut down due to a mudslide until the Washington State Department of Transportation scraped away enough earth and made things secure so the roadway could be reopened Thursday evening.
Battle Ground, in western Washington, was hit by an EF-1 tornado, packing winds higher than 100 miles per hour yesterday. An estimated 36 home and two businesses were damaged and trees were snapped in half. Officials say it was fortunate that there were no injuries. Thousands in the area were left without power.
Lightning accompanied the Oregon storm. A tree was struck and set on fire in Silverton, a home was destroyed by a lightning strike in Jefferson, and in West Linn a tree was struck and the windows of a nearby home were blown out.
Ski area operators are pleased after a dismal last winter. The storm is expected to drop at least four feet on Mt. Hood and other prime ski areas throughout both states. Mt. Hood Meadows is opening today, and Anthony Lakes near Baker City has a 25-inch base and will be open tomorrow and Sunday. Both Bluewood in Washington and Spout Springs in Oregon are still waiting for more snow before opening for business.