Extreme Winter Weather

ice accumulation on a tree

Just after 3 pm on Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning starting at 4 am on Thursday and ending at 10 am on Friday.  Ice storms and possible snow are in the overnight forecast for Wilsonville and the Portland-metro area. 

Note the City's Snow and Ice Control Plan only calls for arterial and connector roads. Residential roads are not serviced. Property owners are responsible for clearing ice and snow from sidewalks adjacent to their property, and consider taking precautions as advised below to stay safe. 

Below are operational updates, a few tips to prepare for extreme weather, and links to resources that may be useful to those in need.

Operational Updates 

Friday, Feb. 14 (last updated at 11:15 am)

  • SMART drivers beginning to service routes as they are able to arrive; service to be substantially restored by noon. 
  • On Friday, City offices are closed until noon because of hazardous road conditions. This delayed start impacts the City Hall, Community Center, Library, Parks & Recreation Administration, Public Works Administration, and Transit service hours.  
  • All WLWV District schools are closed today.
  • Republic Services is not providing waste/recycling pickup today.  
  • All Clackamas County facilities, special district offices and clinics are closed today.
  • Happy Valentine's Day ❤️

Thursday, Feb. 13 (last updated at 1:35 pm): 

  • SMART suspended transit operations at 11:30 am because of hazardous road conditions.
  • The Community Center and the Parks & Rec. Admin Building are closed.
  • City Hall is open. 
  • The Library is closing at 5 pm. 
  • WLWV Schools are closed on Thursday.
  • Republic Services suspended waste/recycling pickup at 11 am on Thursday.  If they cannot return this week, they will accept the equivalent of one week extra on the next scheduled service day at no additional charge.

Take Precautions

In the wake of the devastating 2021 ice storms, it’s easy to recall just how quickly severe winter weather can wreak havoc. Winter storms can include the loss of power, the inability to drive to the grocery store, frozen water pipes, an internet outage and/or other not-so-fun surprises.

With preparation, households can more easily withstand the unexpected.  Wilsonville Ready reminds you to take a few basic precautions when extreme winter weather is in the forecast.

  • Update your emergency kit to include fresh non-perishable food, medicines, and 14 gallons of water on hand for every household member. That’s a gallon a day for two weeks.
  • Buy/charge battery operated cell phone chargers, which may be your best way to communicate with the outside world should your power and/or internet fail. Have several, and make sure they hold a full charge.
  • Keep tools to remove and/or mitigate ice and snow, including snow shovels, salt or other de-icing agent, car ice scrapers, as well as snow boots, gloves and ear coverings. Never start your vehicle in a closed garage. Avoid unnecessary travel, and when you must travel, keep blankets and emergency supplies in your vehicle.
  • Keep your pipes from bursting in sub-freezing temperatures by covering exposed outdoor pipes, insulating basements, crawl spaces, attics and other spaces in unheated interior areas. Letting water drip from faucets helps prevent freezing.
  • Sign up for emergency messaging from Public Alerts at https://www.clackamas.us/dm, and check the National Weather Service or local media for up-to-date forecasts.
  • If your home gets too cold for you to sleep safely, don’t risk it. Never use outdoor heaters, ovens or BBQ grills for indoor heat; use only heaters built for indoor use. Seek shelter at a local warming center; call 211 to get information about shelters and other resources.
  • If you’re stuck inside your home and need critical assistance, put a sign on a front door or in your window.  When emergency responders are canvassing neighborhoods, they can heed your call for help.
  • Keep an eye on neighbors who live alone and/or who might require extra assistance. Your preparation can go a long way in helping others less prepared.

Winter Driving Reminders

Winter driving can be treacherous, offering hazards like skidding off the road, an unexpected collision, or getting stranded in the freezing cold. The consequences of getting stuck without proper preparation can be severe. Having the right equipment and knowing what to do is a game changer during a winter emergency — especially if your vehicle is immobilized and help is slow to arrive. Wilsonville Ready reminds you that it is essential to have an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle, especially if you frequently drive at night and/or log considerable hours behind the wheel.

Useful items for your kit include:
• First aid kit
• Enough water and non-perishable food for 48-72 hours.
• Extra layer of clothing
• Flashlight with batteries
• Matches or a lighter
• Small shovel or ice scraper
• Extra phone charger or battery
• Flares or cones

Remember to regularly inspect and restock your car kit so that everything works and is ready when you need it most. Having the kit is just the first step. To truly enhance your safety during a winter emergency, it is wise to know what to do if you find yourself stranded.

Here are tips to guide drivers trapped in their vehicle during a winter emergency:
• Stay in the vehicle for protection from the harsh conditions outside.
• Make the vehicle visible with flares, flashers, colored cloth tied to the antenna, or cones.
• Call 911 when possible; wait for assistance.
• Ensure your vehicle’s exhaust pipe isn’t blocked to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Keep fresh air flowing in your vehicle by cracking a window.
• Stay warm using the extra layer of clothing or blanket from your emergency kit.
• Conserve cell phone battery by only using it when necessary.
• Turn on the vehicle intermittently for heat to conserve battery and fuel.

Resource Links

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