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Here is my new weekly weather quiz question. What is a “storm surge?” Please remember to post your answer as a comment by clicking on “no comments /comments” in the upper right hand portion of this page under the caption, then add your comment. The first person to post the correct answer will win a week of free personalized weather forecasts tailored to your needs. The answer has to be a comment to win. An email answer will not count. Good luck.

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Advisories:

•  A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM TODAY FOR THE NORTH OREGON COAST, THE GREATER PORTLAND/VANCOUVER AREA AND THE WESTERN COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE
• AN AIR STAGNATION ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM THURSDAY FOR CENTRAL DOUGLAS COUNTY, EASTERN CURRY COUNTY, JOSEPHINE COUNTY, THE SOUTH OREGON CASCADES, THE SISKIYOU MOUNTAINS, THE KLAMATH BASIN, NORTHERN AND EASTERN KLAMATH COUNTY, AND WESTERN, CENTRAL  AND EASTERN LAKE COUNTY.
• A FREEZE WATCH IS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING FOR THE SOUTH CENTRAL OREGON COAST
• A Blue-Green Algae warning  has been cancelled for Tenmile Lakes in Coos County, but continues for Fern Ridge Reservoir, Lost Creek Lake, and Willow Creek Reservoir (NE Oregon). Water monitoring has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae that can produce toxins, state public health officials said. The algae levels are likely associated with dangerous cyanotoxin concentrations in the water that can be harmful to humans and animals. Swallowing or inhaling water droplets, as well as skin contact with water, should be avoided according to the authorities.

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An upper level high pressure ridge (Shaded “Arch” shape) has moved just a touch to the east which will modify the cold northerly air that has been helping us set record lows and come to within two degrees of tying Eugene’s all-time record low of -12 set on December 8, 1972. The snow storm is over but snow will stay on the ground for a while yet due to the very cold temperatures. Please drive slower and don’t make any sudden moves as your vehicle could start to skid. A surface low will ride south along the coast and might help produce some precipitation. A frontal system will be pushing through Oregon on Sunday.

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Air Quality Index:

Eugene-Springfield: The Pollution Index is 144 in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category measuring Particulate Matter at Amazon Park, Eugene. Data courtesy of Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA)

Oakridge: The Pollution Index is 118 in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groupscategory measuring Particulate Matter at Willamette Activity Center, Oakridge.  Data courtesy of Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA)

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Home Wood Heating Advisory:

Eugene/Springfield: (YELLOW) Burning Cautioned Against.

Oakridge: (YELLOW) Burning Cautioned Against.

Pellet stoves are always allowed.

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Forecast for the Southern and lower Mid Willamette Valley including Eugene-Springfield and Albany-Corvallis:

• Mostly cloudy with areas of AM freezing fog and a slight (20%) chance of AM isolated snow showers, mostly cloudy this afternoon, areas of freezing fog again late tonight,
• Areas of AM freezing fog, a mix of clouds and sun Wednesday, mostly cloudy at night,
• Cloudy with a good (50%) chance of AM rain and a slight (20%) chance of freezing rain,  rain with a slight (20%) chance of freezing rain Thursday afternoon, then rain with a slight (20%) chance of freezing rain late Thursday night.
• highs 27-37 lows 18-37.
• Cloudy with a good (50%) chance of rain Friday, a slight (20%) chance of rain Friday night,
• Cloudy with a good (50%) chance of rain Saturday, rain likely (60%) Saturday night,
• Rain likely (60%) Sunday, partly cloudy with a (30%) chance of rain Sunday night,
• Then a mix of clouds and sun with a slight (20%) chance of rain Monday.
• highs 44-48 cooling to near 45 Monday lows near 38. (seasonal averages high 46 low 34).

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Forecast for the South Oregon Coast including Coos Bay and North Bend:

• Mostly cloudy today and tonight,
• Partly cloudy Wednesday and in the evening, mostly cloudy late Wednesday night.
• Cloudy with a good (50%) chance of AM rain, coastal rain while inland rain likely (70%) Thursday afternoon, cloudy with  rain Thursday night.
• highs 47-50 lows 33-45.
• Mostly cloudy with a (40%) chance of rain Friday, mostly cloudy at night,
•  A slight (20%) chance of rain Saturday afternoon, a (40%) chance of rain at night,
• Mostly cloudy with a (30%) chance of rain Sunday, partly cloudy with a slight (20%) chance of rain Sunday night,
• Then just partly cloudy Monday.
• highs 50-53 lows near 40. (seasonal averages high 51 low 40)

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Forecast for the Cascades of Lane County:

• A slight (20%) chance of isolated snow showers this AM, a mix of clouds and sun in the the afternoon, just mostly cloudy this evening, mostly clear late tonight,
• Partly cloudy just a bit warmer Wednesday and in the evening, mostly cloudy Wednesday night,
• Mostly cloudy with a slight (20%) chance of AM rain and snow Thursday afternoon, rain or light sleet likely (70%) Thursday, rain and snow at night.
•  snow level at the surface today through Wednesday night.
• highs 27-34 lows 26-29.
• Cloudy with a good (50%) chance of rain and snow Friday, a (40%) chance of rain and snow at night,
• Cloudy with a good (50%) chance of rain and snow Saturday and Saturday night,
• Mostly cloudy with a good (50%) chance of rain Sunday, partly cloudy with a (40%) chance of rain at night,
• Then a mix of clouds and sun with a (30%) chance of rain Monday.
• snow level 4,500 ft. Friday, 5,000 ft. Friday night, 4,500 ft. Saturday, 7,000 ft. Saturday night and Sunday,
• Then a mix of clouds and sun with a (30%) chance of rain Monday.
• highs 36-38 cooling to 36 Sunday then warming to 39 Monday lows 29-34.