Eugene prepares for freezing rain, snow
Click here for live updates on Saturday: Oregon winter storm updates: Eugene deals with freezing rain, snow across Lane County
Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Eugene is no stranger to the captivating beauty of ice storms. And with the National Weather Service warning that freezing ice and snow were likely headed to the area late Friday and into the weekend, public safety officials were stressing how crucial it would be for residents to understand the dynamics of these freezing events, their impact on daily life and the potential hazards they pose to the community.
Upwards of a half-inch of ice could form, with the worst conditions currently projected for between Albany-Corvallis and Eugene.
While some light freezing rain could fall by 5 p.m. Friday, the greatest concerns center on between 6 to 8 a.m. on Saturday morning.
“Saturday will not be a good time to be on the road,” National Weather Service meteorologist John Liu said. “We are projecting this as a more severe event.”
The line between Willamette Valley snow and freezing rain is right at Salem, Liu said. Given that, Salem could see a little more snow and a little less ice than areas to the south, but conditions are expected to be dangerous either way.
Temperatures stay frigid through the weekend and start to warm by Tuesday.
Eugene officials: Get cars off the street, be ready to stay inside
With power outages, tree damage, traffic problems and other potential impacts expected to come with the storm, the city of Eugene advised residents to stay home if possible or to visit an authorized warming location to avoid the extreme cold and freezing rain.
If a weather emergency is declared, there will be parking restrictions on priority routes, and residents were urged to get their cars off the streets immediately to keep them from freezing in place, according to a release issued by the city on Friday afternoon.
The Eugene Public Works division has crews on standby with deicing and sanding equipment at the ready in case conditions deteriorate. The Parks and Open Space Urban Forestry team is also scheduled to have staff on standby and prepared to respond.
Community members who see tree or other hazards in the public right of way should call 541-682-4800 to report to Public Works Maintenance. Non-hazardous downed trees along streets and in medians can be reported online using the service request page and selecting "tree service request."
Power companies prepare for outages
The two major power companies, PGE and Pacific Power, said they were preparing for outages. It’s unclear whether this system will bring power outages on the scale of the 2021 ice storm, when hundreds of thousands lost power for an extended period, but that level of impact is possible primarily on the south end of the Willamette Valley.
Will there be ice in the foothills?
Even in the Cascade Foothills outside of Salem and Eugene, freezing rain is considered more likely than snow even up to 1,000 feet in places such as Mill City, McKenzie Bridge and Lebanon. Roads into the Coast Range and toward the coast could be extremely slick.
How long will ice stick around?
The ice could last throughout the weekend, especially on roads not treated for ice, because temperatures are forecast to stay below freezing into Monday.
“On untreated roads, the ice could really stick around,” Liu said. “The high temperatures are only above freezing for maybe an hour on Sunday and Monday. That’s not a lot of time for the ice to melt. It will probably break up somewhat, but for any driving this weekend, you’ll want to be extremely careful especially off main roads.”
Snow forecast for Portland and north of Salem
Snow is forecast north of Salem, with about 1-3 inches of snow, and maybe more, forecast for the Portland metro area.
Columbia River Gorge could see 'blizzard-like' conditions
Extremely snowy, windy and difficult conditions are forecast for the Columbia River Gorge and Interstate 84.
Cascade Range passes snowstorm continues
Heavy snow, high winds and frigid temperatures continue at Cascade Range passes into Saturday.
The skies finally clear by Sunday and Monday.
What is an ice storm?
An ice storm occurs when freezing rain falls and coats surfaces with a layer of ice. In Eugene, the combination of cold temperatures and precipitation can transform the city into a winter wonderland, albeit one that comes with its own set of challenges.
Potential Hazards and Precautions
Slippery Roads: Icy roads significantly increase the risk of accidents. Drivers should exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, and avoid unnecessary travel during ice storms.
Tree Hazards: The accumulation of ice on trees can lead to branches or entire trees falling. Residents are advised to stay indoors during heavy ice storms and avoid parking vehicles under large, ice-laden branches.
Power Outages: Ice storms often result in power outages as ice-laden branches break and fall onto power lines. It's essential to have an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, blankets and nonperishable food items.
Pedestrian Safety: Sidewalks and walkways can become hazardous due to icy surfaces. Pedestrians are urged to use designated pathways, wear proper footwear and exercise caution to prevent slips and falls.
Community Preparedness
As Eugene braces for the possibility of another ice storm, community preparedness is key. Residents should stay informed through weather updates, stock up on essentials and have a communication plan in place with family and neighbors.
Understanding the nature of ice storms, learning from past incidents and taking proactive measures can help Eugene navigate these winter challenges safely. Stay informed, stay prepared and stay safe when the icy embrace of winter descends upon the city.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Eugene prepares for freezing rain, snow
