Commuter Conditions

Winter Storm Orion Creates Traffic Mess Around Portland, Ore. and Southwest Washington

As many as 25 vehicles were involved in this multi-vehicle wreck near Albany, Ore. on Interstate 5. — As many as 25 vehicles were involved in this wreck near Albany, Ore. on Interstate 5 on Thursday, Feb. 6.
(AP Photo/ Oregon Department of Transportation)

Winter Storm Orion made roads a mess in western Oregon and southwest Washington Thursday. The winter storm is already blamed for one traffic death.

(FORECAST: Winter Storm Orion)

The heaviest snow started in mid-afternoon, causing gridlock on the roads as people tried to head out of Portland, Ore.

At least two multi-vehicle wrecks were reported across the region. Police in southern Washington say one person died in a crash on Interstate 5 in Clark County near Ridgefield. The accident happened around 10 a.m. PST. The Associated Press reports half a dozen semi trucks were involved.

Earlier in the day, a separate pileup involving 20 to 25 vehicles backed up I-5 for miles near Albany, Ore. No one was killed or seriously injured. Officers closed a three-mile stretch of the road, but even when lanes reopened, traffic moved slowly.

(MORE: ODOT Says "Don't Be Atlanta")

Photos surfacing over social media are telling the story of the traffic mess. Check out the latest in our Storify below.