Weather better than expected, most schools on time

Warmer than expected temperatures greeted commuters Thursday morning, resulting in a lighter fog than feared and a reduced chance of seeing freezing rain.

“We should see temperatures rise up to near freezing later this morning and above freezing by the afternoon,” said Colby Neuman, meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “By the time the rain arrives, it will be between noon and 3 p.m., and most people should have temperatures above freezing by then.”

Neuman said drivers should still remain cautious as icy conditions may persist into the late morning hours.

Washington State Department of Transportation has reported at least two crashes on southbound Interstate 5 during the morning hours today. As of 7:15 a.m., both crashes had been cleared.

Another indicator that weather and driving conditions have improved from previous days is that as of 7 a.m. all Clark County public schools are open for the day, and only one district has announced a delayed start.

Clark Co. Schools

o Green Mountain Sch. District – 2 Hour late start. No connecting high school bus routes. No hot lunch service.

Private Schools

o Arbor School of Arts & Sciences : Closed.

o Cascade Summit Montessori : 2-hr Delay; open at 9:00 a.m., school begins at 9:30 a.m.

o Renaissance Public Academy/Molalla : Closed due to water damage; staff to report as instructed.