Wires down in several places as high winds continue

The McMinnville Police Department reminds motorists to drive with caution during the current storm that is pummelling Northwest Oregon.

It offers these tips:

* Don't enter flooded streets or roadways. If you must cross flooded areas, slow down and check for unseen hazards or rapidly moving water. Beware of roadway erosion, storm debris and deeper than anticipated water.

* Be aware of fallen trees or power lines. If any lines are entangled in debris or lying nearby, keep your distance and call 911.

* If power outages occur, remember that controlled intersections become a four way stop if the traffic signals fail.

* If power outages occur in your neighborhood, check on neighbors that might be in need of assistance. Call 911If you or a neighbor is dependent on electrically powered medical equipment and it is not working due to the power outage.

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Downed wires were reported in several places this afternoon as high winds continued.

Authorities received reports of wires down across a road in the Villard and Cleveland Street area in McMinnville.  Near Dayton, wires were down near Highway 18 and Kreder Road. And downed wires also were reported on Amity Vineyards Road near Amity, Springhill Road near Yamhill and on Highway 18 near Willamina.

Several areas were also experiencing high water, as well, due to the heavy rain. The Amity Bellevue Highway is closed east of Highway 18. In McMinnville, parts of Michelbook Lane are covered with water due to stopped-up drains.

Watch out for high water and flying debris if you're on Yamhill County roads this afternoon.

Forecasters expect winds to begin dropping after 3 p.m.

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The Oregon Department of Transportation is reporting tree limbs and other debris on Highway 18 in several places, including the Grand Ronde area. Motorists should use caution throughout the area today as high winds continue.

A brief power outage was reported this morning in McMinnville.

A transformer reportedly blew about 6:30 a.m. across from Nice Electric, 1605 N.E. Riverside Drive, according to Yamhill Communications Agency radio traffic.

As a result, power was knocked out in the area, including traffic lights at the intersections of Lafayette and Orchard avenues and Lafayette and Riverside Drive. A McMinnville Water & Light crew responded.

The stormy weather also activated numerous alarm systems at businesses throughout McMinnville this morning.

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The National Weather Service is predicting high winds, with gusts up to 45 mph, for the Willamette Valley  through the day. In addition, very heavy rain is in the forecast.

Watch out for flying debris and downed limbs or trees. Make sure you have batteries for your flashlights, too -- the storm could cause localized power outages.

Power went out briefly about 7:40 Sunday evening in Carlton, which is one of several areas of Yamhill County served by Portland General Electric. Service was quickly restored to most customers.

However, PGE said a few homes in the county remain without power this morning.