The relentless onslaught of freezing rain in Portland and parts of Oregon took a tragic turn when a power line fell on a car in Portland, resulting in the electrocution of three occupants, including two adults and a teenager. The incident unfolded as a tree branch knocked the power line onto an S.U.V., leading to a horrifying outcome. Despite the grim circumstances, a baby in the vehicle survived and was rushed to the hospital for evaluation.
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State of Emergency Declared
The severe weather conditions have wreaked havoc on Oregon, with widespread power outages affecting more than 62,000 customers. The majority of outages were reported in Lane County, leading Governor Tina Kotek to declare a state of emergency. PowerOutage.us reported that almost 90,000 people had experienced power loss earlier in the day, underscoring the scale of the crisis.
Forecasters Warn of Icy Conditions In Portland
As Portlanders hoped for relief, freezing rain persisted, adding to the existing challenges posed by icy conditions. Meteorologist Tom Schuldt from the National Weather Service in Portland indicated that freezing rain would continue into the evening, potentially expanding its reach. The threat of untreated side streets and elevated surfaces accumulating more ice loomed large, aggravating the perilous situation.
Troutdale, Gresham, and Happy Valley Brace for More Ice
Thursday afternoon saw freezing rain persisting in Troutdale, Gresham, and Happy Valley, intensifying concerns for residents and local authorities. Schuldt warned that temperatures would likely drop further, exacerbating the already treacherous conditions. The forecast indicated a temporary respite by midnight, but light rain could persist into Friday morning, posing ongoing challenges for residents.
Power Outages and Flight Disruptions
With over 9,900 PGE customers remaining without power, the struggle against outages continued. The utility’s restoration efforts since the onset of the storm on January 13 were hampered by new weather threats. Flight cancellations at Portland International Airport (PDX) soared, reaching 70 due to weather conditions. Efforts to minimize icy conditions at PDX were underway, but the battle against disruptions persisted.
Urgent Calls to Stay Home
Oregon Department of Transportation spokesperson Don Hamilton stressed the critical need for people to stay off the roads. While Interstate 84 between Troutdale and Hood River reopened after a 31-hour closure, the unpredictable weather conditions could lead to further shutdowns. The Portland Bureau of Transportation echoed the plea, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel to prevent accidents, crashes, and disruptions to public transit.
Community Cooperation
Amid the icy turmoil, the Portland Bureau of Transportation appealed to residents for assistance in clearing icy debris from sidewalks and paths to storm drains. This collective effort aimed to mitigate water accumulation on streets and enhance safety. The community’s role in maintaining walkways and aiding the efficient functioning of transportation systems became crucial in navigating the ongoing weather crisis.
In the face of this freezing rain onslaught, Portlanders find themselves grappling with the immediate aftermath of tragedy, power outages, and disrupted travel plans. As meteorological challenges persist, the community’s resilience and collective actions will play a pivotal role in navigating this icy ordeal.
