West Hills residents stock up ahead of possible snow
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The West Hills and other high-elevation areas may see snow overnight, sending people to the grocery store to prepare just in case.
People in the area told KOIN 6 News they’re watching closely to see how this storm develops. They just don’t want to lose power like they saw in January with the back-to-back snowstorm and ice storm.
“I panicked this morning a little bit,” said Cheryle Connelly, of Forest Heights.
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After snow started falling this afternoon in the West Hills, people started stocking up at QFC for the essentials. Southwest Portland was one of the hardest hit areas during the recent snow and ice storms. And neighbors in the area are worried about it happening again so soon.
“I don’t want to go through that again,” Connelly said. “We lost power for three days, then it came back for two days, then it went out for another two days.”
Connelly added that during the first three days of losing power last month, it was lingering right around 37°F and icy. For some, things got even worse when the power came back on.
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We had sewage come back up, pipes broke,” said Peggy Stevens, of the West Hills. “We were out for about two weeks trying to find other places to stay.”
People were coming into the grocery store and leaving with a full cart of food Wednesday night.
“I have some friends flying in from Thailand tomorrow night, I want to make sure I can feed them,” said Portland resident Hank Langfus. “We live in the part of the world where even our worst weather [isn’t] as bad as [some] places.”
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Some who’ve lived in Portland for years aren’t as concerned about the weather. However, even Connelly, who suspects last month’s storm was nothing more than a “fluke,” said it’s important for people to be cautious at any rate.
“Everyone stay home if you can’t get in, don’t try it,” she said.
To avoid getting stuck or stranded, check the conditions on TripCheck before traveling.
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