East Multnomah County encased in ice as the rest of the Portland metro area slowly thaws

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — While other areas are slowly starting to melt, East Multnomah County remains encased in ice. With an ice storm potentially coming Thursday night, people are getting prepared.

“I didn’t expect it to be this bad,” said Jason Stamper of Troutdale. “We’ve got a fireplace. I’ve had enough wood. So, when the power went down, we were fine with that. But other than that, not too bad.”

Troutdale city manager Ray Young says his biggest fear with the looming ice storm is safety on the roads.

ODOT requiring tire chains on I-84 between Troutdale and Hood River for heavy vehicles

“I’ve got crews out 24 hours a day this whole week and they will continue through tonight plowing and sanding the streets,” said Young. “And so they’re working really hard to do what they can to make sure there is safety out there on the streets.”

Young asks everyone to stay off the roads not only for your safety but for others. Last night an ambulance transporting a patient slid into a ditch requiring the fire department and transportation team to free them.

Meanwhile, Multnomah County road maintenance program supervisor Ken Bossen is also asking everyone to stay off the roads when possible for your sake and theirs.

“You can’t beat Mother Nature as she keeps doing more stuff at us,” Bossen added. “And so please stay off the roads if you don’t have to, especially in East County.”

On Thursday afternoon, Multnomah County announced that NE 238th Dr. between Arata Rd and Glisan St. in Wood Village was reopened after it was previously shut down due to icy conditions. In total, the county has closed 18 of its roads since the winter storm began this past weekend on account of downed trees and power lines. So far, they’ve reopened six of those roads.

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