Winter Storm Causes Disruptions Across Portland

Residents navigating a snow-covered street in Portland amid the winter storm.

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News Summary

A major winter storm hit the Portland Metro area, resulting in widespread disruptions. Over 110 flights were canceled at PDX, schools were closed, and traffic jams ensued due to treacherous road conditions. Multiple accidents were reported, including a major pileup on I-84. Authorities issued warnings and opened emergency shelters to support the community. With more snow expected, residents are advised to stay safe during this challenging weather.

Winter Storm Causes Disruptions Across Portland Metro Area

A major winter storm hit the Portland Metro area, creating quite a bit of chaos on Thursday. The snow began falling around 9 a.m. and didn’t let up for about four hours, leaving people to deal with **_widespread disruptions_** throughout the day.

Flight Cancellations Galore

If you were planning to fly out of Portland International Airport (PDX), you might want to check your travel plans. By 6 p.m., **_over 110 flights_** were canceled, including a whopping **_28 flights from Alaska Airlines alone_**. Travelers were left to navigate their way through the airport hustle and bustle, certainly not the best day for air travel!

Schools Closed for Safety

In light of the weather conditions, more than **_200 school districts_**, including well-known ones like Portland Public Schools and Beaverton School District, decided to call it a day and closed their doors. Better safe than sorry when it comes to children’s safety, right?

Traffic Trouble on the Roads

It didn’t just stop with airports and schools. Interstate 5 near Hazel Dell experienced a **_full closure_**, leading to what felt like never-ending traffic jams as drivers tried to navigate treacherous road conditions. The Columbia River Gorge was no exception, where **_whiteout conditions_** resulted in multiple accidents, including a **_major pileup involving as many as 30 cars_** on I-84 near Multnomah Falls. So many folks were left wondering about the best route home!

Injuries and Ongoing Precautions

As the chaos unfolded, four people were hospitalized with minor injuries from various crashes. Authorities scrambled to manage numerous accidents throughout the day while keeping an eye on continuing snowfall and high winds that contributed to **_poor visibility and dangerous road conditions_**. A **_Winter Storm Warning_** was issued, lasting until Friday morning, alongside an **_Ice Storm Warning_** for areas south of Wilsonville.

Supporting the Community

Multnomah County sprang into action by opening **_eight emergency overnight warming shelters_** and urgently sought 50 more volunteers to help those in need. This is a true testament to the spirit of the community as they come together during difficult times. Residents were reminded to stay safe as **_freezing rain was expected later in the evening_**, adding to the existing ice and snow on the roads.

Challenges for Public Transit

For those relying on public transit, it was not an easy day. Some TriMet bus lines and Portland Streetcar loops faced delays and suspensions due to the adverse weather conditions, urging riders to **_avoid travel if possible_**. The MAX rail system managed to run but experienced interruptions thanks to fallen trees and signal issues, leaving commuters navigating an unpredictable system.

Power Outages Across the Area

As if the weather wasn’t disruptive enough, power outages plagued parts of Portland. About **_900 customers_** found themselves in the dark after a tree fell on a power line. Overall, approximately **_1,900 Oregonians_** and **_8,500 customers in Washington_** faced power outages amid the storm. Talk about a tough day for many!

What’s Next?

Weather forecasts predicted the fun isn’t over yet, with **_up to four inches of new snow expected_** along with rain and sleet. With the winter storm showing no signs of letting up, residents are reminded to stay vigilant, be careful on the roads, and keep themselves safe during this chilly and slippery time. It’s a winter wonderland, but with a twist of caution!