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Eugene ice storm prompts closures, crashes, state of emergency

Published on January 14, 2024

A relentless winter storm strengthened its icy grip on Eugene and the rest of Lane County this weekend, plunging the region into a deep freeze. Unusually low temperatures, combined with heavy snow and freezing rain, have transformed the area into an ice-covered landscape, prompting local governments to declare an emergency and state officials to warn residents to stay at home.

Icy roadways were left almost impassable, utilities warned of potential electrical outages, and public safety personnel were busy trying to keep up with emergency calls.

With the situation not expected to improve much on Sunday, Lane County and much of the rest of the Willamette Valley were expected to see more of the same. Here are the latest updates from Eugene and the surrounding region:

Closures and delays in Eugene, Springfield, Lane County

The severe weather has prompted closures and delays across Lane County, affecting various services and facilities:

Lane Transit District: Bus services are suspended until further notice.
Lane Community College: Closed until further notice.
City of Eugene Parks: Immediate closure, caution advised near trees.
Eugene Airport: Numerous flight cancellations and delays.
University of Oregon Campus: Closing at 8 p.m. Saturday, reopening at 10 a.m. Sunday.
Willamalane Parks: Closed until further notice.
Willamette Family: RideSource and Willamette Family drives are suspended until further notice. Other programs operating.

Road Closures

Deerhorn Road: Closed west of Booth Kelly Road due to falling trees and downed power lines.
McKenzie View Drive: Closed due to falling trees.
OR-126 from Poodle Creek Road, Noti to Steelhead Drive, Paleton: Closed due to hazardous trees or vegetation.
OR-36 from Poodle Creek Road, Cheshire to Indian Creek Road, Swisshome: Closed due to hazardous trees or vegetation.

Oregon’s Emergency Coordination Center activated

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management activated the State Emergency Coordination Center for state agencies and nonprofit partners to share life safety resources, including activating 211 to support warming shelters in several counties.

“If you or someone you know needs a place to stay warm, call 211 or visit 211info.org to find open warming centers in your area; 211 also offer and coordinate transport services to and from warming centers,” the agency said.

Emergency Management encouraged people to stay home, stay informed, have an emergency plan and stock an emergency kit.

Oregonians can sign up for local emergency alerts at oralert.gov If you have moved, you should update your information.

The agency said a basic emergency supply kit in case the power goes out includes the following items:

Enough water for one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation.
Several days’ supply of non-perishable, easy-to-eat food such as peanut butter, protein and granola bars, jerky, nuts, fruit, pretzels, crackers, beans and rice.
A manual can opener.
A battery-powered or hand crank radio or a weather radio.
A flashlight with extra batteries.
A first-aid kit.
Sleeping bags or warm blankets.

NW Natural asks customers to conserve gas

NW Natural on Saturday evening asked customers to conserve gas during the storm “by lowering thermostats as much as you can comfortably and safely manage,” minimizing hot water usage and turning off non-essential appliances, to help prevent strain on utility systems.

“We are seeing increased usage by utility customers across our region due to frigid temperatures, which are expected to continue into next week,” NW Natural said in the notice to customers.

Modest efforts to conserve gas “can make a big impact in helping the entire energy system navigate this extreme weather event,” said Kim Rush, NW Natural’s chief operations officer.

Rush said the company’s gas system is operating safely at full capacity and field teams ready to respond to customer needs.

Weather system settles in over Oregon

The National Weather Service reports that a weather system has stalled over Oregon, intensifying the expected impact on the Willamette Valley and the surrounding mountains. The problems seemed to expand what original forecasts had suggested, with snow and ice spanning from Newport to Sweet Home, reaching down to Eugene and north to Tillamook.

Meteorologist Tom Schuldt warned Saturday of prolonged freezing rain and sleet through the weekend, urging residents to stay off the roads due to dangerous conditions. The storm’s slower track means more precipitation, amplifying its impact on travel and everyday life.

Eugene weather warnings and forecast

The NWS placed Eugene under an Ice Storm Warning over the weekend, with freezing rain anticipated to cause significant and potentially damaging ice accumulation. Freezing rain was forecasted to fall throughout the night, although the temperature was expected to rise slightly on Sunday, to a high of 35 degrees.

Heading into Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, temperatures are expected to remain cold, reaching a high of 35 degrees with mostly cloudy skies.

Power Outages and Hazards

Pacific Power reported late Saturday that it was responding to widespread outages across Oregon, with nearly 31,000 customers impacted.

Most were in and around Portland, but there were some 3,500 customers in the Creswell and Cottage Grove areas without power as well.

More than 200 crews and a total of more than 800 personnel were out trying to respond, according to the utility.

“We are still battling the elements, but our crews are focused on repair and restoration as the weather allows,” said Erik Brookhouse, vice president of system operations. “We thank our customers for their patience and understanding as we continue this work in what can be treacherous conditions.”

Approximately 2,300 Eugene Water and Electric Board customers are without power as of 9:46 a.m. Most outages are east of Springfield but some are in Eugene city limits. Three of the 56 outages have crews assigned.

Approximately 6,000 Springfield Utility Board customers are without power as 8:30 a.m. Sunday. SUB said crews are active but that “Given the extensive damage, customers should be prepared to be without power for an extended period.”

The Emerald People’s Utility District said it is experiencing “widespread outages throughout our district,” at 7:48 a.m. it said crews are patrolling and will begin making repairs when it is safe to do so.

Eugene declares an emergency

The City of Eugene has declared an ice and snow emergency, implementing a parking ban on snow emergency routes. Residents are urged to remove vehicles immediately. City crews are also addressing tree hazards, and residents can report tree-related dangers by calling 541-682-4800.

As Eugene battles this winter onslaught, staying informed, following safety precautions, and cooperating with emergency measures are paramount. The community’s resilience will be tested, but together, Eugene will weather the storm. Stay safe and heed official advisories.

What is freezing rain?

Freezing rain is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when raindrops fall from the atmosphere in liquid form but freeze upon contact with surfaces that are at or below freezing temperatures. This results in a layer of ice forming on various objects, including roads, trees, power lines, and other structures. Here’s a detailed description of freezing rain:

Formation Process:
- Freezing rain begins as precipitation in the form of liquid water droplets high in the atmosphere.
- As these droplets descend, they pass through a layer of sub-freezing air near the surface.
- Upon contact with surfaces such as the ground, vegetation, or other structures, the liquid droplets freeze, forming a thin layer of ice.
Conditions Required:
- The presence of a warm air mass aloft: Freezing rain typically occurs when a layer of warmer air exists above the freezing layer at the surface.
- Shallow layer of freezing air near the ground: A layer of sub-freezing temperatures near the surface is essential for the raindrops to freeze upon contact.
Impact on Surfaces:
- Roads and Sidewalks: Freezing rain can create hazardous conditions on roads and sidewalks, turning them into icy surfaces. This poses a significant risk for transportation as vehicles and pedestrians may slip or slide.
- Trees and Power Lines: The weight of the accumulating ice on trees and power lines can lead to structural damage. Branches may break off, and power lines may sag or even snap under the added load.
Travel Disruptions:
- Freezing rain is known for causing disruptions in transportation, leading to dangerous road conditions. Ice accumulation on roads reduces traction and increases the likelihood of accidents.
- Air travel can also be affected as ice accumulation on aircraft surfaces poses safety concerns.
Power Outages:
- The accumulation of ice on power lines and electrical infrastructure can lead to power outages. The added weight can cause lines to sag or break, disrupting the flow of electricity.
Duration and Intensity:
- Freezing rain events can vary in duration and intensity. Some events may result in only a thin glaze of ice, while others can lead to more substantial ice accumulation, causing widespread damage.

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.