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Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect the number of vehicles involved in the crash hours after an initial report was released.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Dozens of vehicles, including cars, trucks and semi-trucks, were involved in crashes along Oregon’s Interstate 84 early Thursday afternoon, according to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office initially estimated that least 100 vehicles had crashed, but Oregon State Police Captain Kyle Kennedy later clarified to Nexstar’s KOIN that roughly 30 to 40 vehicles were involved in multiple small crashes in close proximity to each other.
“Road conditions on I-84 in the affected areas are considered slick, but passable,” ODOT said. “This series of crashes was caused by a combination of high winds blowing snow and drivers traveling too fast for the winter weather conditions in the area.”
The reason why the sheriff’s office initially reported 100 was, according to Kennedy, “what maybe some were seeing when they first arrived. Not total whiteout – but difficult conditions, not being able to see very far – might have contributed to these initial results.”
Vehicles spread across multiple crash scenes blocked the westbound lanes for three miles west between mileposts 28 and 29. During one of the crashes, an SUV caught fire though everyone was able to get out.
“Responders are going car by car,” deputies said. “There are reports of injuries; no number at this time. Whiteout conditions.”
Officials with the Oregon Department of Transportation reported that I-84 westbound had been closed from Hood River at Milepost 64 to four miles west of Multnomah Falls at Milepost 27.
The first call reporting an accident came in just before 11 a.m.
Portland and surrounding areas are under a winter storm warning until 10 a.m. PDT Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
The storm could bring 1-3 inches of snow and sleet, along with ice accumulations of a tenth of an inch. Wind is expected to gust up to 35 mph.
“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous,” according the NWS warning. “If you must travel, be sure to slow down and allow extra time.”
This is a developing story.