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Oakridge mom stranded by snowstorm gives birth by flashlight

Mom and baby did eventually make it to a Eugene hospital and are in fine shape.

Stephanie Caroon was stranded in her Oakridge neighbor's home by a snowstorm that had cut out electricity for several days. And her baby McKenzie was ready to come into the world.

The same storm toppled trees and power lines on the one highway out of town.

So when it was time to for McKenzie come into the world that night, Stephanie's friends busted out their flashlights. A wood stove kept her warm.

"It was really dark so I kind of started birth by flashlight," she told KGW.

With the help of paramedics, the birth ended up going well, and there was even a festive atmosphere.

"We ended up calling them at 6 in the morning and gave birth in a house," Stephanie said. "There were 10 other people, with my neighbor playing piano."

Mom and baby did eventually make it to a Eugene hospital and are in fine shape.

Now proud papa John has a daughter and son Kenny has a sister.

"It was story for sure," Stephanie said.

All kinds of neighbors came together to help each other, sharing food, firewood and household needs. Watch the KGW report.

While there was drama with the birth of baby McKenzie, some 183 passengers on a stranded Amtrak Coast Starlight train went through their own ordeal.

After 36 hours, the train finally started rolling again with a tow from a Union Pacific locomotive. KGW spoke with passengers as they stepped off the train.

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