Updated forecast calls for morning ice storm

For Immediate Release: Monday, January 16, 2017

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a freezing rain advisory for an ice storm in effect from 4 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 17). Freezing rain is expected from about 4-8 a.m. Roads are expected to be extremely slippery; please avoid all unnecessary travel.

Rising temperatures later Tuesday morning will result in rain. While rain is expected to be heavy, total rainfall is expected to be less than originally predicted. Some localized flooding is still expected, due to snow melt and blocked and frozen drainage structures. A NWS flood watch remains in effect through 2 p.m. Tuesday. Please use caution.

A map and list of roads impacted by winter weather and/or flooding will be posted on wc-roads.com . Information will also be available on Twitter at @WashCoRoads. For regional alerts, visit www.publicalerts.org

Tips for inclement weather:

• Clear ice, snow and debris from storm drain grates.
• Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear.
• Move snow and ice away from foundation
• If sandbags are needed, visit a self-serve sandbag station.
• Heavy rains reduce drivers' visibility. When driving, turn on headlights, increase following distance, slow down and watch for bicyclists and pedestrians. Visit ODOT's webpage for Driving in the Rain Tips.
• If there is flooding on the road - Turn around. Don't drown.
• Respect road closure signs. Roads are closed for safety reasons. It is illegal for motorists, pedestrians or bicyclists to move or travel around road-closure barricades. To report someone moving or traveling around a barricade, call the Washington County Sheriff's Office nonemergency dispatch at 503-629-0111.

To request help or report a road hazard:

• Call 9-1-1 (life-threatening emergency).
• Call 503-629-0111 (after hours, non-emergency).
• Call 503-846-ROAD (846-7623) or email [email protected] (during business hours).
• Submit an online request for non-emergency road service.
• Call Clean Water Services at 503-547-8100 to report flooding in urban unincorporated areas (outside of cities).

Washington County is committed to planning, building and maintaining a great transportation system, ensuring the safety of all roadway users, and operating the County roadway system in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner.

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