01/07/2009

Associated Press

A major highway was closed Wednesday in Oregon as a winter storm sent heavy rain and high winds into the Northwest.

U.S. 26 was closed along a 22-mile stretch in Central Oregon after high winds toppled trees.

There were no reports of injuries, but some truckers and passenger vehicles were stranded without a detour while crews worked to clear the road.

Oregon Highway 35 was closed for a time to truck traffic from Government Camp to Parkdale because high winds and blowing debris created hazardous driving conditions. Oregon 216 between Maupin and Warm Springs was similarly closed.

The National Weather Service has posted warnings and advisories for areas across the state, including flood watches.