The big chill is here

PENDLETON – A cold weather advisory has been issued for the Blue Mountains of Oregon and Washington and other areas. It will remain in effect until tomorrow (Thursday) morning.

The National Weather Service in Pendleton predicts higher elevations could see low temperatures of 15 degrees below zero. Meanwhile, at lower elevations, the daytime highs will be in the 20s and overnight lows in the single digits.

Warming centers throughout the region are open during the cold spell. Pendleton Police Chief Chuck Byram urges people to keep an eye on structures in their neighborhoods that are supposed to be vacant. People seeking shelter from the frigid weather could trespass. He said being vigilant can save a life, as he recalls a tragedy from the winter of 2024. There was a vacant house that the owner was renovating and people broke in to shelter from the inclement weather.

“A lot of candles were lit,” he said. “Then candles were kicked over. The house burned and the individual inside who should not have been in there in the first place, but was in there seeking shelter, succumbed to the fire.”

Byram urged people to keep an eye out for things that don’t look right.

“Know your neighborhood,” he said. “Know your people. Know which houses may be vacant and if they are, who owns that house and what are they doing to make sure it’s secured.” He said property owners can sign up for the department’s trespass program and police will make regular checks on those houses.

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