Around 5:50 this afternoon Salem Police and Fire Departments responded to a downed tree on Chemeketa Street between 14th and 15th Streets. The tree is very large and is completely blocking the roadway. The downed tree also damaged some power lines and a natural gas line both of which have been rendered safe.
Crews are on scene working on the tree and the natural gas line. The repairs and clean up are expected to last several hours and motorists are asked to use alternative routes.