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The National Weather Service has advised that Portland-Metro area residents should expect from 1-3 inches of snow beginning late Friday afternoon, January 12, and freezing temperatures for the next several days. In response, Washington County has declared an emergency and activated our emergency operations center (EOC) to meet the needs of community members throughout this severe weather event.
More information about Washington County's response can be found on our Current Incident page.
General tips and suggestions to prepare for the storm and stay safe
- Gather supplies including medication, water, shelf stable food, flashlights and batteries.
- Travel safely by stocking up your car’s emergency kit, checking your tires and carrying traction devices. Plan for extra travel time and drive slowly, leaving plenty of stopping distance between you and other cars. Keep your gas tank filled in case you are delayed.
- Heat your home safely. If you use a wood burning stove, fireplace, or a space heater, move anything flammable at least three feet away from the device. Be sure to turn off and unplug your space heater when you leave the room and do not bring charcoal or gas grills inside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Stay warm outside by wearing layers, gloves and a hat. Take breaks to warm up inside.
- For additional information about severe weather, including preparing for power outages and the signs of frostbite and hypothermia, please visit our Cold Weather page.
Warming centers and severe weather shelter
- The County’s extensive network of public libraries are also available as warming centers during business hours. Find locations at wcor.us/DisasterHelpMap.
- Severe weather shelter activation is underway with emergency shelter beds scheduled to open on Friday, January 12 at 2 p.m. For shelter locations and additional information please visit this webpage.
- Find other winter and severe weather resources by county at www.211info.org/winter-and-severe-weather-shelters/.
Road conditions
- Our road crews will be ready to plow and sand 24/7 through the length of the wintry conditions.
- Check road conditions on Tripcheck and the WC-Roads webpage before you travel.
- Plan extra travel time and drive slowly; brake and accelerate gently.
- Brush up on our four Snow Zones. Check wc-roads.com to see if they are active and traction devices are required.
- Have an emergency kit in your vehicle. See a list of items to include.
- Check TriMet service alerts for public transit delays or cancellations.