Vancouver Prepares for Snow

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Taya Alami, GoLocalPDX Reporter

Vancouver's property owners are responsible for clearing snow from public walkways in front of their property. // Photo Credit: iStock

The City of Vancouver, Wash. is preparing its crews to combat snow that's expected to begin falling tonight and continue into Thursday morning. Public Works officials said they expect the snowfall to reach up to six inches and to stick-around for several days.

Crews are spending the night de-icing streets and strategically placing their heavy machinery around town in the event that they'll need to plow some of the Vancouver’s approximate 1,800 miles of roads tomorrow.

If the region becomes immobilized by snow and ice tomorrow, the city said the top priority of its public works department will be clearing crucial routes connecting police, fire and emergency medical personnel.

The City is asking its commuters to prepare for the icy conditions by making sure they have access to a snow shovel, traction devices (like tire chains) and an emergency preparedness kit. If driving is absolutely necessary, commuters should drive slow and allow extra time to reach their destination, the city said.

Residents are also being asked to take some time to check on their elderly or disabled neighbors.