Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Eugene is no stranger to the captivating beauty of ice storms. So 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.
To help community members stay up-to-date with the fast-changing impacts of the storm, the Register-Guard is posting relevant information here in this article, as the story develops.
8 things to do in a winter storm while driving
Driving through extreme weather is especially ill-advised and can, of course, be treacherous. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, there are an average of more than 1.25 million weather-related crashes on U.S. roads each year. But while it’s best to avoid driving in bad weather, snowy and unpredictable conditions can catch out even the most cautious drivers. Therefore, it pays to be prepared. And these handy tips can help you stay safe if you get stuck on the road in your vehicle when extreme weather strikes.
- First, it’s important that you try to keep your car’s gas tank as close to full as possible. Storms can arrive or worsen quickly, and running out of gas can put you in danger.
- If you’re stopped or stuck, try to make sure your car is somewhere safe and visible. It’s important in case you need to be rescued. Also, stay in your car.
- Be prepared by keeping snacks and water in your vehicle. When you’re stuck, it might be for hours.
- If you’re stopped for a long period of time, try to run your engine for only about 10 minutes every hour. Sitting in an idling car wastes fuel and could expose you and your passengers to harmful fumes, according to the Environmental Defense Fund.
- Another thing to keep on hand in your car is a portable battery to charge phones and other devices.
- When your car is running, it’s a good time to open a window for ventilation.
- If temperatures get really low, try to bundle up with all the clothes and jackets you have on hand.
- If you are stopped in heavy snow, make sure the area around your tailpipe is clear to avoid poisonous carbon monoxide exhaust fumes backing up into the vehicle.
Preparation, they say, is the key to success. But in bad weather, it may also be the key to survival.
More problems, solved
Statewide forecast: Freezing rain to continue as weather system ‘stalls’ in Oregon
The National Weather Service said the amount of ice expected in the Willamette Valley and the mountains has increased and is expected to last longer than previously forecast, bringing impacts to travel and utilities.
Updated totals shows between a quarter and half-inch of ice for a much larger area than expected, spanning from Newport on the coast to Sweet Home in the Cascade Foothills all the way down to Eugene and north to Tillamook.
“The track of the storm slowed slightly, which means it’s going to linger further into the evening and bring more precipitation that is falling either as sleet or as freezing rain,” NWS meteorologist Tom Schuldt said. “That much ice will bring significant impacts to travel and everyday life.
“We’re really asking people to stay off the road. It’s very dangerous.”
Eugene weather forecast: Cold temps, freezing rain to continue
The next few days are looking cold and wet for Eugene and the southern Willamette Valley.
Eugene is under an Ice Storm Warning for the majority of Saturday, which means freezing rain can produce a significant and possibly damaging accumulation of ice.
The National Weather Service in Portland expects a high temperature of 33 degrees in Eugene on Saturday with a low temperature of 24 degrees. Freezing rain should be expected in the lower Willamette Valley with a total daytime ice accumulation of 0.2 to 0.4 of an inch possible. On Sunday, there will be a slight chance of rain and then snow with a high temperature of 34 degrees and a low temperature of 26 degrees. Little to no snow accumulation will be expected.
Going into Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, temperatures in Eugene are expected to hit a high of 35 degrees and a low of 22 degrees with mostly cloudy skies. It does not look like there is a chance for precipitation.
Interstate 5 reopens
Northbound Interstate 5 reopened before 8 a.m. on Saturday after being closed for several hours because of a reported commercial vehicle crash.
The freeway had closed just before 4 a.m. about 12 miles north of Eugene in Linn County, near the Diamond Hill Road exit. There were few vehicles on the roadway at the time but those traveling were forced to take a detour.
With freezing rain and ice on the roads throughout the Willamette Valley, public safety officials had warned motorists to stay off the road if possible. The low temperatures are forecasted to persist through the weekend and officials urged people to stay off the roads if possible.
Those who did venture out were urged to check TripCheck.com and weather forecasts before hitting the road.
Hidden dangers of ice
Although it might not seem like a big deal, slipping on ice can result in serious injuries. You could try a few techniques to make your way over slick sidewalks by doing your best penguin impression.
To prevent falls on slick ice:
◾ Wear slip-resistant footwear.
◾ Take short, shuffling steps – similar to a penguin’s walk – to maintain your balance.
◾ Keep your arms at your sides.
◾ Maintain the center of gravity over your leg that is in front.
Closures and delays in Lane County on Saturday
The following closures and delays have been announced due to the severe weather:
Northbound Interstate 5 closed 12 miles north of Eugene
The Oregon Department of Transportation said northbound Interstate 5 is closed about 12 miles north of Eugene in Linn County, near the Diamond Hill Road exit, due to a commercial vehicle crash.
“It may take several hours to reopen the highway due to the slippery road conditions across northwest Oregon,” ODOT said in a press release posted at 4 a.m. Saturday. “Low temperatures are forecast to persist this weekend, so expect icy conditions and delay your trip if possible.”
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.”
Warming spaces opened
With temperatures dropping, facilities across Lane County will be available as warming centers for anyone needing a warm place to go. Here are the locations scheduled to open, as of Friday afternoon:
Eugene
- Amazon Community Center: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 2700 Hilyard St. Eugene, Oregon, 97405
- Peterson Barn: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 870 Berntzen Road Eugene, Oregon, 97402
- Hilyard Community Center: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 2580 Hilyard St. Eugene, Oregon, 97405
- Sheldon Community Center: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 2445 Willakenzie Road Eugene, Oregon, 97401
- Campbell Community Center: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at 155 High St. Eugene, Oregon, 97401
- Downtown Eugene Library: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday at 100 W. 10th Ave. Eugene, Oregon, 97401
- Bethel Branch Library: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Closed on Sunday. 1990 Echo Hollow Road Eugene, Oregon, 97402
- Sheldon Branch Library: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Closed on Sunday. 1566 Coburg Road Eugene, Oregon, 97401
- St. Vincent de Paul Service Station: Open seven days a week from 8:30 am to 5 p.m. aet 456 Highway 99 Eugene, Oregon, 97402
- St. Vincent de Paul’s 1st Place Family Center: Open seven days a week from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. 4060 W. Amazon Drive Eugene, Oregon, 97405
- Looking Glass New Roads Center: Youth and Young Adults up through age 24. Open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 941 W. 7th Ave. Eugene, Oregon, 97401
- Egan Warming Centers (Eugene/Springfield): Locations subject to change but posted on the website https://www.svdp.us/services/shelter-assistance/egan-warming-centers/. Activates at 29 and below.
- Eugene Mission: Additional space available during Inclement Weather Protocol. Activates at 30 and below. Ideal entry time between 4 and 5 p.m., but people will not be turned away if there is space that night. 1542 W. 1st Ave. Eugene, Oregon 97402
Springfield
- Springfield City Hall: 225 5th St. Mondays: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (closed Jan. 15 in observance of MLK Day)Tuesdays: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Any changes will be posted on the City’s website at springfield-or.gov.
Willamalane Park and Recreation District open hours by facility:
- Bob Keefer Center: 250 S 32nd St. Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Splash! at Lively Park: 6100 Thurston Road January Hours. Monday: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; waterpark swim will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 15. Wednesday: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Willamalane Adult Activity Center: 215 W. C St.Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed on Jan. 15 in observance of MLK Day). Saturday & Sunday: Closed.
- Willamalane Park Swim Center: 1276 G St. Monday through Friday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed on Jan. 15 in observance of MLK Day). Saturday & Sunday: Closed. Any changes will be posted to Willamalane’s website at willamalane.org/alerts.
- Catholic Community Services OASIS (Drop-In Day Center): Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1175 G St., Springfield. Clients must enroll in OASIS first, 541-345-3628 ext. 390 or OASIS@ccslc.org (Pets not allowed). Closed holidays and weekends.
Cottage Grove
- Cottage Grove Community Center: Open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Saturday & Sunday. 700 E Gibbs Ave. Cottage Grove, Oregon, 97424
Florence
- Florence Warming Center: Transportation available between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Location varies and announced during each activation. Information on activations can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FECWS/.
- Pick up sites at Siuslaw Library, Safeway, Linda’s Laundry Mat: Look for white flags. Activates at 39 degrees when windy and rainy, or 33 degrees.
- Motels available on activation nights for families with minors and individuals with mobility issues. 541-997-4444 (SOS after hours). 541-997-6600 (Shelter).
- Siuslaw Public Library: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 1460 9th St. Florence, Oregon, 97439
Oakridge
- Oakridge Warming Shelter/ Greenwaters Park Community Center: 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. (overnight). 48362 OR-58, Oakridge, Oregon, 97463. Activates at 32 degrees and lower.
Veneta
- Veneta Warming Shelter/Fern Ridge Community Services: 25133 East Broadway Ave. Veneta, Oregon, 97487. 2Activates at 29 degrees and below.
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.
Blizzard conditions threaten to wreak havoc on Oregon’s mountain passes
At higher elevations, heavy snowfall raised warnings about driving through Oregon’s mountain passes. Highway 20 over Santiam Pass, Highway 58 over Willamette Pass, and Highway 26 in the Mount Hood and Government Camp area all faced significant impacts.
An estimated 24 inches of snow in 24 hours were reported at Willamette Pass, and there were expectations for another 2 to 6 feet of snow between Thursday and Saturday, potentially making road conditions treacherous. At Hoodoo Ski Area on Santiam Pass, almost 45 inches of snow has fallen since last week, bringing an area with bare dirt showing up to 50 inches of snow base now.
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