Press Release: City Crews Gear Up for Next Storm

Here’s the latest from PBOT:

City and State Crews Gear Up for Next Storm System (12/19)
Contact: Cheryl Kuck, 503-823-5909

(PORTLAND, OR) – The National Weather Service is predicting another severe winter weather event for the Portland metropolitan region this weekend. City and State crews are prepared to respond.

Road conditions are generally good throughout the city of Portland – clear pavement, some patches of snow, some patches of ice – but most streets are clear and drivable. Crews are sanding, plowing, and applying de-icer chemical on problem spots as needed. Efforts today are focused in the hills and in known hazard areas all around the city. Crews are patrolling the city and monitoring locations for temperature changes, precipitation, and road conditions.

A partial callout of crews today allows employees who have been working long and hard since Sunday morning, December 14, to get some much needed rest so that exhaustion does not contribute to mistakes or mishaps in the field. The City is scheduled to return to full callout status Saturday evening to respond to the next storm front predicted to hit the region later Saturday, with temperatures dropping well below freezing on Sunday and hazardous road conditions possibly continuing until mid-week.

Transportation crews are receiving assistance today from the Water Bureau to re-stock sand piles and chemical supplies. The City will be ready to go when the next storm system arrives.

Although road conditions are good now, the public is advised that a sudden drop in temperature will make wet roads slick. Slushy snow will turn to ice, making conditions hazardous. There is a big difference between 33 degrees and 31 degrees in terms of road conditions, and Sunday could bring temperatures in the 20s and teens.

Safety Messages
— Take transit if possible. Our crews have been working around the clock to keep those routes open and clear.
— If you must drive, have a plan before you leave your home.
— Continue to carry chains in your vehicle.
— Drive slowly. Brake gently. Maintain 3 car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you.
— Do not pass plows and sanders on the right!
— Be especially careful approaching curves and shady spots.
— Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists – everyone share the road courteously and responsibly.

Know before you go! Check road conditions at www.TripCheck.com and click the Portland Winter Travel Info link for local information.