A chemical de-icing solution is applied to icy spots along local streets Tuesday by Portland Bureau of Transportation crews.
Photo by Mark Washington
Wintery mix begins Thanksgiving week
Despite only officially receiving 0.3 inches of snow a night earlier, Portland was still feeling the effects of below-freezing temperatures Tuesday.
The Portland Bureau of Transportation was transitioning work crews from snow and ice to cleanup and routine operations Tuesday. Earlier, crews de-iced streetcar platforms and patrolled known hazard areas, treating icy spots with de-icing chemical or sand as needed.
When weather is cold like this, crews continue to take anti-ice measures at night to keep bridges, overpasses, and critical streets in good condition for transit and emergency vehicles.
Cheryl Kuck, a spokeswoman with the Bureau of Transportation, said in an advisory that patches of ice still remain in the hills and some streets closer to the Columbia River, and that crews have been treating these areas with a de-icing chemical.
According to weather.com, freezing temperatures during the day and night in the Portland metro area are likely to last throughout the week, with more rain expected Thursday, Thanksgiving Day.
Kuck’s advisory also said that everyone should be alert for black ice on streets and sidewalks.
Black ice is treacherous because it is almost invisible, and it remains on roadways that do not get direct sunlight. Bridges, overpasses, tunnels, and shady spots are most susceptible to black ice, so car drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike are all advised to go slower in these areas, as they freeze first and thaw last.
Pedestrians and bicyclists especially should dress warmly and make sure you can be seen; use lights and wear high visibility clothing.
Monday’s snowfall marks only the third time in 25 years that it has snowed in the area before Thanksgiving. And, as of print-deadline, Tuesday’s forecast high was still 29 degrees. If the Portland area doesn’t cross 32 degrees, it will be the first time since 1985 that a November day in the Willamette Valley hasn’t broken freezing, according to the National Weather Service.
Though students in the Portland Public Schools district were already out of the classroom this week, teachers still have scheduled morning, afternoon, and evening hours for parent-teacher conferences. Conferences prior to 10 a.m. were cancelled district-wide Tuesday, and others were delayed by 2 hours due to weather, giving both parents and staff time to reach schools in icy conditions.
Monday night’s snowfall caused hours-long back-ups on I-5 both coming into and leaving the city in both directions, and caused a few instances of street delays due to cars sliding on icy roads.
TriMet chained its entire fleet of buses in preparation for Monday’s snowfall, and most of the chains remained in place during the day Tuesday, due to a black ice advisory from the city. Buses with chains are restricted to a maximum speed of 25 mph, so Tuesday buses still arrived at regular intervals, though not on their regularly posted schedule. Within the fleet, 65 buses with Insta-Chains are in service. Insta-Chains are similar to those installed on school buses where the bus operator can deploy the chains in the field as needed.
TriMet also added many “skimmer” buses to make up for the influx of passengers not wanting to drive in inclement weather. The transit agency offers tips on its website for preparing for winter travel, including advisories for altered schedules.
TriMet is ready for holiday travelers going to and arriving from the Portland airport and Union Station this week, but warns passengers to remember that buses and MAX lines will be operating on a holiday schedule Thursday for Thanksgiving.
Due to projected freezing temperatures, the city turned off all the Benson Bubbler drinking fountains on Monday, and the Portland Water Bureau has also advised homeowners and renters to protect their outside pipes and faucets to prevent busted or frozen plumbing.
The Portland Housing Bureau, in partnership with other city departments, Multnomah County, and community partners, is coordinating winter shelter and day services for homeless individuals and families. It’s estimated that about 1,600 people sleep outside on any given night in the Portland metro area. When severe weather hits, emergency overnight shelters open around the region.
The Union Gospel Mission, located downtown at Burnside & Northwest Third, has been open as an emergency shelter at night and during the days this week. With the influx of people and extra meals to serve —Union Gospel Mission served 1,080 cold weather emergency meals in 2009, and a total of 102,444 meals for the year
– the mission is seeking donations of blankets, socks, and gloves. To contact the shelter to see how you can help or get help, call 503-274-4483. In addition, other outreach agencies, including JOIN in northeast Portland, collect and distribute blankets and warm clothes to those in need.
People can call 2-1-1 for the most current information on shelter and services for people experiencing homelessness.
The city recommends that Portlanders use its Public Alerts system as their source for winter storm updates. The site provides constantly updated links to street closures, highway road conditions, transit schedules and service alerts, and other emergency information.
A list of additional warming centers in Portland:
- Family Winter Warming Center:
12505 NE Halsey St.
Call 211 (or 503-548-0200 or 503-405-7875) to check for availability
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. with check-in on site
Serves: Families with children younger than 18
Women’s Winter Warming Center:
Transition Projects, 475 NW Glisan St.
Check in between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. to reserve a space for the night
Call 503-823-4930 to check availability
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Serves: Only for single women, up to 70 people
Men’s Expanded Shelter:
Located at Salvation Army Harbor Light, SW Second Avenue and Ankeny Street
Call 503-239-1259 to check availability
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Serves: Only for single men, up to 70 people
Shelter provides seating and hot beverages
Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center (only open when a severe weather alert is issued):
Red Cross Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center at the Imago Dei Church
1302 Ankeny St.
Dates: Nov. 22 and 23
Hours: 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., check-in on site
Serves: Families, single adults and youths; pets allowed; some space for carts; accessible location (main floor)
Clackamas County is also opening warming centers for the homeless:
- Father’s Heart Street Ministry
Tri Met bus #79 (from Clackamas Town Center)
8899 SE Jannsen Road in Clackamas
Call 503-722-9780 for availability
Open at 6:30 p.m.
Adults only
Clackamas Service Center
TriMet #72 (along 82nd)
8800 SE 80th Avenue in Portland
Call 503-771-7914 for availability
Open at 7p.m.
Serves individuals and families with children
