Late Thursday, Gov. Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency over the fatal storm that has iced sidewalks and roads around the state, caused widespread power outages and damaged scores of homes and vehicles.
Weather
County declares state of emergency over winter storm
The Washington County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency Tuesday over the winter storm, saying the move would allow the county to have “greater flexibility and support for the multi-agency response to the snow, wind and ice storms over the last several days and the coming freezing rain.”
Live: Here’s all the updates for the Tuesday and Wednesday ice storm
We’re in for what looks like a final round of icy weather starting some time this afternoon. We’re going to keep all the bits of news—that’s road closures, business closures, power outages, new weather alerts and the like—contained in this ever-updated story. No account or subscription required.
Banks School District cancels school for Tuesday
An already longer than anticipated long weekend just got even longer after the Banks School District said school would remain closed Tuesday.
Ice Storm Warning issued for Tuesday
Already gripped in frozen temperatures and an icy winter storm, Oregon could now be on for round two, the Portland office of the National Weather Service said in an Ice Storm Warning issued Monday morning.
Banks School District will release students early Friday in light of potential winter storm
“We understand that early releases can be an inconvenience, but the safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” the Banks School District said in a notice announcing a three hour early release for Friday. “We encourage everyone to plan accordingly and make the necessary arrangements.”
Every highway in the greater Banks region has crashes, cars sliding due to snow
Every highway in this newspaper’s territory—that’s 6, 26, and 47—had a disabled vehicle or a crash when the map was checked at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation’s tripcheck.com.
Power out, road debris, high winds, and bus routes changes
For thousands of Portland General Electric (and West Oregon Electric Co-Op, at least in Timber) customers, high winds meant power outages across the region, some overnight and into Tuesday morning. One BSD bus route was altered due to a downed tree.
States warn of ‘Band-Aids and duct tape’ for road maintenance
As winter weather began arriving in mountain passes, the Oregon Department of Transportation issued a warning: The state was running out of money to plow roads and could “no longer maintain the state’s transportation system at the same level as we have in the past.” Drivers would need to anticipate delays and prepare to be stranded in poor weather.
Winter road maintenance will continue with $19 million promise from Kotek, Oregon Legislature
Oregon’s top elected officials pledged to spend millions of dollars on winter road maintenance after dire warnings from the state Department of Transportation that highways would go unplowed because of a budget shortfall.
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