Up to Six Inches of Snow Could Hit Portland Between Thursday and Friday

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Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Joanna Evoniuk, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Four to six inches of snow could accumulate in Portland between Thursday and Friday, along with a possibility of freezing rain, according the City of Portland Bureau of Transportation.

Oregon State Troopers are advising drivers to drive slow and think ahead to avoide weather-caused accidents. 

"Typically what we see are folks who haven't left early enough to allow extra time," Sergeant Brad Hessel of the McMinnville Area Command said in a media statement. "Consequently, they are driving too fast for conditions and off the road they go." 

Snow could start falling at 10 p.m. tonight and on Thursday morning in the Portland area, according to the National Weather service. Freezing rain is expected to fall on and off throughout night and Thursday morning as well.  

The Portland Bureau of Transportation advises travelers to stay up to date with the latest weather reports and alerts. Check current road conditions on ODOT's web site or call 5-1-1. 

Liquid anti-icer is being applied on overpasses and bridges by transportation maintenance crews. They will continue to so overnight on routes in the West Hills, along Marine Drive, Sam Jackson Road, and Mt. Scott Boulevard. 

A chain-up area on West Burnside near 24th Ave. will be activated by the Portland Bureau of Transportation. 

The city of Portland also urges motorists not to abandon vehicles in a travel lane. This issue has caused problems in previous storms, obstructing emergency vehicles and public transit. Any abandoned vehicle will be cited and towed, the city said.

The city advises people to stay cautious while traveling, delaying trips if possible or taking public transit. Other safety tips from the City of Portland, Oregon State Police, and ODOT  include:

• Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
• Drive or bike slowly, steer and turn slowly, and brake gently. Stay off the brake on ice.
• Be alert for pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Carry an emergency kit.
• Look for signs indicating required chains or traction tires, and chain up early when you are required to do so.
• Use extra caution when driving on bridges or concrete highways because ice forms first on these surfaces.
• Don't use cruise control in wet, icy or snowy weather.

Find more weather tips online, at PublicAlerts.org, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, TriMet, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. 

Check out the entire week's forcast at GoLocalPDX's weather page. 

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