Winter Storm liveblog: Power outages, closures, and traffic issues
News in the Grove will host a constantly updated live blog right here all day with impacts from the winter storm in Forest Grove. Should the winter storm continue, we’ll make a new one for Friday.
See a downed tree, own a business that’s closing or see something else that should be on this list? Email chashundley@newsinthegrove.com to let us know!
5:20 p.m.: The Forest Grove School District is cancelling school Friday, too, though some evening and afternoon activities could continue.
Chas Hundley
3:35 p.m.: Winter weather has prompted the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to activate the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) to Level 3 (Regional Response), OEM announced at 2:42 p.m. Thursday.
The ongoing winter storm blanketing much of western Oregon is forecast to last through February 14.
"The National Weather Service predicts a strong potential for snow and freezing rain, which may lead to treacherous travel conditions, road closures, power outages, and the need for temporary warming shelters," OEM said in a press release.
The state said emergency operations centers in other jurisdictions across Oregon are activated, and that OEM was coordinating with local, Tribal, and state agencies as the storm progressed.
"The Level 3 activation allows OEM to maintain situational awareness, facilitate information-sharing and support resource requests from local jurisdictions," OEM said.
- Stay informed: Check local weather forecasts and sign up for emergency alerts through ORalert.gov. View the latest Hazard Situation Overview for real-time impacts and response efforts.
- Avoid travel if possible: Roads may become hazardous due to ice and snow. If travel is necessary, carry an emergency kit, chains, and extra supplies.
- If you do need to leave the house: Check TripCheck.com to know the latest road conditions, and make sure you are caring a shovel and have an emergency car kit. Read more about how to prepare for winter driving on the OEM blog. Prepare for power outages: Have flashlights, batteries, and a backup heat source ready. Never use generators or grills indoors due to carbon monoxide risks.
- Check on neighbors: Ensure vulnerable individuals have what they need to stay safe and warm.
- Know where to go to get warm: Warming shelters are listed at Oregon 211.
- Sign up to receive the latest news directly from OEM. To find out more preparedness tips, like how to Be2Weeks Ready for disasters, visit Oregon.gov/OEM.
-OEM
3:25 p.m.: Forest Grove's resident legislator Susan McLain wasn't the only state figure heading to Salem for a day of work in the legislature today to find a closing capitol.
Julia Shumway, Ben Botkin
10:55 a.m.: "Pacific University’s Forest Grove, Hillsboro & Eugene Campuses, and all healthcare clinics, are closed on Thursday, Feb. 13," a notice on the university's website read. "Classes may continue online." Details/Detalles
10:50 a.m.: Forest Grove Fire & Rescue is ready for the snow. "Earlier our crews chained up our apparatus to remain ready to respond to any incidents that might come our way," Forest Grove Fire & Rescue said. "As temperatures continue to stay below freezing and snow adds up, we ask that everyone stay home and off the roadways. If you must drive, take it slow and give yourself plenty of stopping room in front of you," the agency, which provides emergency services to Forest Grove and the surrounding rural communities, said.
10:45 a.m.: The city of Forest Grove closed early at 10 a.m. "Programs and classes are canceled. Essential services continue," the city said in a notice on their website.
10:15 a.m.: Willow & Ash and A Framer's Touch are closed Thursday.
Forest Grove's State Representative Susan McLain made it to Salem this morning at 7:30 a.m. and sent News in the Grove these photos of the state's capitol.
"Official meetings and committees shut down as of 8:30 a.m.," McLain told News in the Grove. McLain will work from Salem and continue with online appointments. The capitol building is closed to the public for the day.
Photos: State Rep. Susan McLain
9:40 a.m. update: Oregon Department of Forestry Forest Grove District offices are closed Thursday.
Chas Hundley
Chas Hundley
