Western Oregon is hit hard with ice
By Terry Murry on Saturday, February 13th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
SALEM – The Oregon Office of Emergency Management reports that ice, snow, and high winds over the last 24 hours have resulted in multiple road closures and downed trees resulting in extensive power outages and fractured communications.
Gov. Kate Brown declared a state of emergency for Benton, Clackamas, Hood River, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington and Yamhill counties.
People throughout Oregon are urged to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Because downed trees and damaged cell towers are making it challenging to find connections via mobile phones or the Internet, battery-operated radios are advised to listen for weather and road closure updates.
People in areas with power outages are urged to check on friends, family members, and neighbors who may need assistance. Utility crews are out in force, but it could take time before the widespread outages are addressed.
Portland General Electric estimated that there were more than 200 outages impacting 93,158 customers without service in Marion County alone. Meanwhile, Interstate 84 remains closed through the Columbia River Gorge. That closure between mileposts 17 and 62 went into effect Friday night.
Contributed photo of ice-laden tree in Keizer
