Portland Area Snow Starting Later Than Thought, Ice Here Earlier

PORTLAND, OR — While there was snow at higher elevations in the areas outside of the Portland metro area, the city and surrounding area did not get a White Christmas. The National Service's Portland office says that the snow should be here by early Sunday.

Forecasters say that it's not only snow that's coming. There will be ice and it will make driving treacherous.

As for the snow, it's starting later and ending later. By the time it's over, there could be as much as almost 5 inches in parts of the Metro area.

In some extreme scenarios, they say that the total could reach 7 inches.

Totals are going to vary based on a variety of factors including elevation, location, and more. One thing that they seem certain of is that it will start as a rain/snow mix that likely won't stick as the temperature should be in the upper 30s in most of the Metro area.

The temperatures this week will be dropping into the teens.

The change in the forecast came a day after Governor Kate Brown declared a statewide state of emergency because of the cold weather expected to dominate the week.

"Our state has experienced a number of climate-related emergencies this year, and with another coming, I urge all Oregonians to make a plan with your family now and be prepared," Brown said. "Winter storms mean increased risk for those traveling as well as those staying home for the holidays.

"Check on your neighbors and loved ones when you can do so safely. If road conditions worsen, please help our first responders by staying home when possible."

Meanwhile, Portland and surrounding communities declared a state of emergency or have taken other actions starting Friday and continuing through New Year's Eve.

Multnomah County's state of emergency is in effect until January 3. Portland's ends on December 31st but the city can extend their's if needed.

"This will give us the maximum ability to plan, contract, and seek additional resources over what could be a very long cold snap stretching to the new year," Multnomah County Chairwoman Deborah Kafoury said.

The county has set up a webpage, www.multco.us/cold to provide updates on the situation including shelter locations and housing.

People can also call 2-1-1 to ask about shelters and ask to be brought to one. TriMet buses and trains will be free for people looking to get to a waning shelter.

The latest forecast from the National Weather Service's Portland office says that starting December 24, the temperature will be dropping and snow will be possible.

The temperature could remain below freezing starting mid-week and lasting through New Year's.

Officials listed several steps for people to take to get prepared:

• Plan ahead to have the prescriptions, food, flashlights and other necessities on hand.
• Check on your neighbor. Please, please knock on the door, make the call, let people know you’re going to the store, and ask how you might help.
• Stay informed: Care for When it’s Cold. multco.us/cold will post the latest shelters, volunteer opportunities, and information on how to take care of your pet, where to get help.

The city/county Joint Office of Homeless Services has stepped up their efforts in recent days. Through Wednesday, they had distributed 293 sleeping bags, 283 tents, and 1,338 pairs of socks.

Officials say that if anyone wants to make a donation to one of the nonprofits helping the less fortunate, go to 211.org where they have a list of nonprofits accepting donations and links to their Amazon wish lists.

"Local government is working hard to get people to a warm, dry place but we can’t be everywhere,” Multnomah County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Vines said

"As with the heat event almost 6 months ago to the day, we are asking all county residents to check on others, direct individuals to warming shelters and help hand out gear to keep people warm - and alive."

Meanwhile, Washington County has activated their no-turn away shelters, which are in addition to the county's normal Winter Shelter program, which provides 187 beds.

People needing help should go to one of the two following shelters:

• The Salvation Army Building, 1440 SE 21st Ave, Hillsboro

Accessible via TriMet route numbers 57; and

• Beaverton Community Center, 12350 SW 5th St, Beaverton

Accessible via TriMet route numbers 52, 76, and 78