I-84 back open after ‘bomb cyclone’ causes road closures near Oregon-Idaho border
Oregon officials reopened Interstate 84 Wednesday afternoon at about 1:45 p.m. after driving conditions improved.
Interstate 84’s westbound lanes were previously closed between Ontario and La Grande, and all lanes were closed between La Grande and Pendleton, according to Oregon Department of Transportation spokesperson Vicki Moles.
The Transportation Department first became concerned after high winds caused an RV to overturn at about 6:30 a.m., Moles said.
“The winds were reported at 50 miles per hour with gusts from 70 to 80,” Moles told the Idaho Statesman by phone. “It’s very difficult travel for high-profile vehicles.”
Moles said officials initially closed the road to clear the accident but then decided the weather was dangerous enough to warrant a longer closure.
“We want to make sure people are in locations that have amenities, so they’re not out in the middle of the highway stranded,” Moles said.
By early afternoon, Moles said the weather had calmed to allow traffic to pass safely again.
“The wind subsided enough that it didn’t pose a hazard,” Moles said.
Drivers can stay updated on Oregon’s road conditions through tripcheck.com, which is maintained by the Oregon Department of Transportation.
The Western United States has been facing extreme weather conditions from what weather experts have referred to as a potential “bomb cyclone” over the Pacific Ocean. While Washington and Oregon will bear the worst of the storm, Idaho may see wind, rain and snow as well, the Idaho Statesman previously reported.
This story was originally published November 20, 2024 at 1:23 PM.
