Forecasters expect some more snow in Portland area

Another cold front is moving through northwest Oregon and southwest Washington Saturday, potentially bringing multiple days of wet snow ahead.

In a forecast issued early Saturday, National Weather Service forecasters expected more snow accumulation across the region, except along the coast and areas south of Portland; those regions should expect rain.

Portlanders should prepare for another couple inches of snow along the valley floor through the weekend, coupled with milder temperatures in the mid-40s. Gusty winds of about 25 mph will bring a wind chill Saturday and Sunday nights.

Snow should turn to rain around Sunday afternoon, turning some snow to ice, with temperatures in the mid-30s. Some data suggest another batch of snow along the valley floor Monday morning, but forecasters said those predictions are “highly uncertain,” though they do look “remarkably similar to the [data] that plagued our region with lowland snow threats this past week.”

“At this point, there is average forecast confidence that there will be some additional snowfall during the Monday night through Tuesday period,” forecasters said.

Multnomah County emergency officials announced seven severe weather shelter locations, including one at the Lloyd Center in Portland, will open Saturday at 8 p.m.

The county and Portland leaders declared weather emergencies through at least Sunday. The Multnomah County medical examiner has reported one death likely caused by the weather.

Oregon Department of Transportation spokesperson Katherine Benenati said Friday that crews have made significant progress clearing roadways since the freeways ground to a halt due to snow and ice on Wednesday. But they are still working 24/7 shifts for the foreseeable future to remove ice, snow and abandoned vehicles.

Parking tickets paused until weather improves

The Portland Bureau of Transportation is halting parking citations at meters and public parking spaces through Tuesday.

Many drivers also abandoned vehicles as road conditions quickly took a turn during Wednesday’s winter storm. PBOT said cars that still are blocking lanes of traffic will be towed, and that the vehicle owners will be responsible for towing fees.

More than 80 vehicles are currently in the queue for towing at PBOT’s request. Tow truck companies are overwhelmed by the high demand for their services from a variety of agencies and organizations across the region.

As travel conditions improve Friday evening and Saturday, PBOT urges the public to consider traveling safely to recover vehicles they may have abandoned, but to be prepared to halt travel if conditions worsen again over the weekend.

A suggested alternative is to use public transit until weather improves.

Road workers clear roads of ice, abandoned cars

Road workers spread salt and magnesium chloride, a de-icer, on roads Saturday, while weather conditions remained fairly dry.

State road workers got a slight reprieve Saturday, as sunny skies warmed temperatures into the 40s. Oregon Department of Transportation spokesperson Michelle Godfrey said they used the time to spread salt and magnesium chloride, a de-icer.

Transportation officials are keeping a close eye on predictions for more snow in the coming days.

“If we learned anything Wednesday, it’s not to underestimate Mother Nature. Be prepared. Don’t go if you don’t have to go. And if you do… be safe out there, carry traction devices if you have to, and bring supplies, just in case.”

ODOT has cleared many of the vehicles blocking roads by using local towing companies.

Godfrey said people who have had to abandon their cars on roads or freeways will have to contact local towing companies to retrieve the vehicles, and they will be responsible for any towing fees.

When asked how to determine which companies to call, Godfrey suggested people look for local companies.

Below is a map of about 75 Portland towing companies and their addresses.