Winter storm warning; use caution

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Winter travel update: 6 p.m. Jan. 11

While Washington County has is no longer requiring traction devices, it is highly recommended that vehicles driving on roads under the county's jurisdiction continue to use traction devices.

Many local neighborhood streets, rural gravel roads and major roads not on the County's snow plow routes remain very challenging for vehicles not equipped with traction devices. In addition, expect roads countywide to freeze tonight, increasing the need for traction devices.

Visit wc-roads.com for more information.

Winter travel update: 8 a.m. Jan. 11

For the sake of public safety, traction devices are required on all vehicles operating on roads under the jurisdiction of Washington County, effective at 6 a.m. Jan. 11. All vehicles that are towing are required to have chains on the power axle of the tow vehicle.

Traction devices are defined as:

• Four-wheel drive vehicles equipped with four tires marked for winter/snow use
• All-wheel drive vehicles equipped with four tires marked for winter/snow use
• Front-wheel drive vehicles with at least two studded tires marked for winter/snow use
• Two-wheel drive vehicles with chains on the power axle.

These restrictions will remain in effect for up to 48-hours.

Winter travel update: 6 a.m. Jan. 11

Washington County road crews are doing their best to clear roads, but conditions remain hazardous. Traction devices are required on all Washington County roads; chains are required on vehicles that are towing.

The National Weather Service winter weather warning is in effect until 1 p.m. today. Temperatures are likely to remain below freezing with little to no snow melt until Saturday.

Review winter weather safety topics for tips on traveling in winter conditions by car, foot, bicycle and mass transit. Curious about what we do to remove snow and ice from county-maintained roads? Read FAQs.

Tips for staying safe:

• Be prepared for power outages caused by fallen trees and the possibility of downed power lines on roads.
• Have food, flashlights, batteries and warm clothing ready.
• If you must drive, slow down, allow plenty of stopping distance and be alert for bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Help road crews get through. Heavy traffic volumes and cars parked on or near roadways impede crews' ability to sand and plow priority routes.

Additional resources for winter travel:

• Washington County's video If You Must Travel, Be Safe
• Washington County's Winter Weather Safety Topics
• ODOT's Winter Driving Guide (also available in Spanish ) and Winter Travel Packet
• NHTSA's Checklist and Tips for Safe Winter Driving
• ODOT's TripCheck (real-time status of state highway conditions)

Visit NWS for the latest forecasts and alerts.

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