The western halves of Washington and Oregon are far enough from the equator to experience temperatures that oscillate around freezing and near enough the Pacific to be very humid. Through Jan. 1, 2022, residents should expect snow, ice, and extreme cold.
The Office of Emergency Management Deputy Director Matt Marheine emphasizes that inclement weather is risky for everyone, not just those traveling, as ice storms can damage cell towers and knock out power. Warming shelters are operated throughout Oregon to protect vulnerable residents from the cold.
The Oregon and Corvallis governments encourage residents to have two weeks of supplies available including a radio and batteries, to be aware of proper heating and ventilation practices, to check on neighbors, and to consider avoiding travel or using public transportation instead of driving.
In Corvallis, sanding begins as soon as the road becomes slick. If snow covers the sand, it is no longer effective. When snow-cover reaches two inches, plowing begins. In a storm that lasts one day, some city crews may use hundreds of trucks full of sand. Cleaning up the sand takes weeks.
Roads are divided into three “priorities” for sanding and plowing: Priority 1 are roads that directly connect hospitals, fire stations, police stations, and emergency response units, Priority 2 are main roads that connect the Priority 1 roads, and Priority 3 are city-owned public parking lots and smaller, residential cross-roads. Plowing and sanding do not happen on private streets, streets with a grade above 15%, in alleys, or on roads maintained by ODOT, OSU or Benton County. ODOT and Benton County primarily maintain roads that lead out of the city.
If traveling, consider bringing extra supplies like warm clothing, food, water, and an emergency kit. Use www.tripcheck.com to access more than 400 road cams across Oregon or call 511 and use the menu to access road and weather data.
By Grace Miller
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