‘Sloppy wet snow’ ahead for Portland, valley floors

Fluffy white snow along the northwest Oregon valley floors is turning to mush as a wetter, warmer winter storm passes through.

Even so, national forecasters in a Sunday morning update said lowland areas could potentially get more snow Sunday night — a possibility that could remain through Wednesday morning.

“Overall, the pattern Sunday night through early Wednesday appears conducive to someone, somewhere getting heavy snow in the lowlands across SW Washington and NW Oregon,” the National Weather Service forecast reads.

There’s also a chance that snow will be mixed with rain — making for “sloppy wet snow” for inland valleys like Portland. Temperatures will remain below normal through midweek — with daytime highs around 40 degrees and nighttime lows around 30 degrees — with a freeze-thaw cycle that could make roads slick.

On Sunday morning, Gov. Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency in Multnomah County at the request of county Chair Vega Pederson. In a statement, Kotek’s office said the declaration is based on recommendations from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.

The statement said it has been in contact with other impacted counties as well. Some counties, including Jackson and Josephine counties, have requested state assistance, but no others had requested an emergency declaration.

“This week’s record-breaking snowstorm impacted thousands of Oregonians and has caused increased demand for local warming shelters,” Kotek said in the statement.

Despite the emergency declaration, Multnomah County leaders opted not to open severe weather shelters Sunday. In a statement that morning, the county said forecasted weather conditions wouldn’t meet severe weather or cold weather criteria.

That criteria includes temperatures forecasted at 25 degrees or below, at least an inch of snow in most areas, overnight temperatures at 32 degrees or below with at least an inch of driving rain, or other conditions like wind chills or extreme temperature fluctuations.

National forecasters expect the Portland area to have a daytime high of 41 degrees and a nighttime low of 33 degrees on Sunday, with a mix of rain and snow showers.

Parking tickets paused until weather improves

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

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

As warmer temperatures turn some snow to ice, the Portland-area transportation agency, TriMet, has temporarily suspended some bus lines and detoured others. As of Saturday afternoon, suspended lines included 18, 26, 43, 45, 51, 55, 63 and 64. Its MAX rail line service was running smoothly, according to Saturday afternoon update, with now weather-related delays.

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.