Overview
Snow. Ice. Extreme cold. Winter storms can hit Portland hard, blocking roads, knocking down trees, taking out power lines, and creating hazards.
The City of Portland works hard to prepare for, respond to, and recover from winter storms. From opening shelters to plowing streets to repairing water mains, our goal is to reduce disruption, restore service, and help everyone stay safe.
Our most important partner is you. You can help our community stay strong and resilient by preparing for severe weather and knowing what to do when it happens. We can make a difference when we work together to keep everyone safe, warm and dry this winter.
Call 311 to connect with the City seven days a week to ask winter weather questions, report issues or request services.
Find a warming shelter
The City of Portland maintains year-round overnight shelters where you can get a warm, safe night of rest.
In severe weather, local officials may activate 24/7 emergency shelters. Find out if these shelters are open and find warming shelters near you at Multnomah County's page Care for when it's cold.
Call 211 for more shelter options and if you need transportation to a shelter. Call 311 to reach the City of Portland for general questions, requests, or reports related to City or County services.
Check in on neighbors, sheltered and unsheltered
Call 911 if someone is showing symptoms of hypothermia: shivering uncontrollably or suffering confusion, slurred speech or drowsiness. Get them somewhere warm and dry.
Call Portland Street Response if you are concerned for someone outside who is not dressed for the weather conditions.
Call Multnomah County's Aging and Disability Helpline for 24-hour assistance for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers.
Signs your neighbor might need help:
- Pets out all night.
- No lights inside.
- Mailbox overflowing.
- Not answering phone.
If you must travel, be prepared
Be prepared to delay your trip. Stay at home if you can. Get travel updates, road closures, chain advisories and more on the Portland Bureau of Transportation's page on winter weather. This is the City's information hub to help you stay safe and get you where you need to go during winter storms. Sign up for PBOT alerts to be notified about hazardous conditions.
Report any road hazards to PBOT's 24/7 Maintenance Dispatch at 503-823-1700. Interpretation available.
Plan ahead with PBOT's tips for every kind of travel and what to do if you are stranded in your vehicle during a storm.
Water emergencies
When temperatures are at or below freezing, water pipes can freeze or break.
- Protect your pipes from winter weather.
- What to do if your pipes freeze or burst.
- Find your emergency water shut-off valve.
If you can't shut off your water, call the Portland Water Bureau's 24-hour emergency line at 503-823-4874.
Water mains (City pipes) are more likely to break during cold weather. If you see water running from streets or sidewalks, call the Portland Water Bureau's 24-hour emergency line at 503-823-4874.
Power lines and power outages
Winter storms can knock out power lines. A downed power line is an emergency. Do not touch it! Assume it is live and stay 50 feet away.
If you see a downed power line:
- Call 911.
- Then call Portland General Electric at 800-544-1795 or Pacific Power at 877-508-5088.
Severe weather can also cause power outages.
- Report power outages to Portland General Electric.
- Report power outages to Pacific Power.
Tree emergencies
Winter storms bring snow, ice, and wind that can knock down trees. If you see a fallen tree or branch blocking a street, sidewalk, or public park, Report a Tree Emergency or call 503-823-TREE (8733).
Fire safety
Severe weather increases the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning as people try to stay warm. Portland Fire & Rescue has important winter fire safety tips to avoid dangerous situations and reduce the risk of fire.
Flooding
Winter storms may cause flooding. Visit the Flooding in Portland to find out how to prepare, how to be safe, where Portland's floodplains are, and what the City is doing about flood prevention.
The Big Pipe Tracker shows how Portland's Big Pipe system fills up and prevents combined sewer overflows to the Willamette River. It also lets you know if a rare overflow does occur. The data is updated every 15 minutes.
Shovel your sidewalk
Property owners or tenants are responsible for shoveling the snow and removing ice from in front of their homes and businesses. Check in with neighbors who might need a hand, or might lend you a hand. Navigable sidewalks are especially important for your neighbors to access public transit, parks and local businesses in winter weather.
Parks and community centers
City parks or community centers may close in severe weather. Before you go, check Portland Parks & Recreation's Inclement Weather and Closures. Public restrooms may be closed to protect them from damage from the weather.
Sign up for public emergency alerts
Sign up for public emergency alerts so you know when an emergency is happening in Portland. Getting reliable information gives you power to take action. It could save your life and the lives of your loved ones.
Leave garbage, recycling, and compost carts at the curb
Snow and freezing temperatures may cause delays in Portland's curbside service. The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability asks you to set out your garbage, recycling, and compost bins on your normal collection day. If bins are not emptied, leave them at the curb. Garbage companies will come as soon as it's safe to do so.
Help our community
Help our community by donating life-saving winter gear early in the season, so outreach teams will have them on hand when winter storms hit.
Find lists of providers and their needs for winter gear at 211info.
Repair and recovery
Winter storms can inflict damage on homes and businesses. Your property may sustain damage from fallen trees, downed power lines, ruptured water pipes, or other mishaps. Get tips on repairing property damage from winter storms from Portland Permitting & Development.