(4 p.m., Feb. 24, 2023) The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) advises the traveling public to prepare for additional rounds of snow on Saturday night, Sunday, and a potential for additional snow on Monday as well. The National Weather Service's (NWS) latest forecast is calling for an additional 1 inch to 3 inches of new snow accumulation on Saturday night, Feb. 25, with a possibility of additional flurries on Sunday.
The Weather Service is also monitoring another storm system expected on Monday that could bring a potential 1 inch to 10 inches of snow to Portland. While the timing of the Monday snow event is still uncertain, the traveling public should be prepared for snow to start falling as early as Monday afternoon. This could make for difficult traveling conditions during the Monday evening commute, and the public is advised to consider limiting travel or taking public transit during that time period.
PBOT's essential workers continue to work around the clock. Last night, crews applied 8,000 gallons of deicer and 45 tons of salt to the city's priority snow and ice routes. Abandoned vehicles continue to prevent the reopening of some city streets.
More than 80 vehicles are currently in the queue for towing at the request of PBOT as tow truck companies are overwhelmed by the high demand for towing services for the public and a variety of agencies and organizations across the region.
Parking citations halted through Tuesday
In light of the continued winter weather, PBOT will not issue parking citations for vehicles that overstay parking time limits at parking meters and at other public parking spaces with time limits through noon on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
The bureau will not issue citations for vehicles that are towed for blocking a travel lane or impeding access (savings of $270), however, vehicle owners will be responsible for all towing charges and fees.
As travel conditions improve today and Saturday, PBOT urges the public to consider traveling safely to recover vehicles they may have left in legal parking areas, such as roadside shoulders. Those areas may be needed for other travelers to pull over and wait for conditions to improve during Saturday and Monday snow storms.
The City of Portland’s Snow and Ice Plan discourages private vehicle use and encourages public transit use instead. To encourage people to leave their vehicles legally parked and consider delaying travel, PBOT will allow cars to remain parked without penalty in meter districts and in areas without meters where there are time limits. Parking enforcement officers will not issue citations for staying too long at a meter or a parking space with a time limit.
Any vehicle parked illegally may face a tow, especially any vehicle blocking a travel lane or public transit route. During snow and ice emergencies, PBOT prioritizes routes for public transit, and police, fire and medical first responders. Abandoned vehicles that block travel lanes can slow down emergency responders and the snowplow operators who make safe passage for them.
Preparing for severe weather travel:
Stay informed. Sign up at Public Alerts for emergency notifications from all regional agencies via text, email, or phone. Go to PBOT’s Winter Weather Center to track real-time weather, traffic, road closures, and plow information. Sign up for PBOT alerts via text or email.
Build a severe weather travel plan. Before the inclement weather hits, plan ahead for how you'll travel in severe weather. Our "Get Home Safe" travel checklist provides essential tips for taking transit, walking, biking, and driving in winter weather. Property owners, tenants and businesses should have supplies on hand, such as ice melt and snow shovels to clear sidewalks as well as pathways across their driveways.
No time for inaction, find some traction. Traveling in snow and ice can be challenging, and at times dangerous and slippery. Immediately after snow and ice, Portlanders are encouraged to limit their travel and stay close to home.Traction devices for your shoes will help navigate your neighborhood streets.
Have you purchased chains yet for your vehicle? Take the time to practice putting them on your car while the weather is nice! You'll be glad you did. PBOT has additional winter weather travel travels for pedestrians and people biking and driving.
During a winter weather event:
If you need to travel, consider TriMet: If you cannot delay travel during periods of snowy conditions, consider public transit as your first option, and be prepared for delays, and look for alerts and changes to transit routes. Public transportation schedules can be found via TriMet’s website, as well as PortlandStreetcar.org/schedules.
Monitor road closures: Current PBOT winter weather road closures and chain advisories
Do not abandon your vehicle in a travel lane: It disrupts snowplows, police and fire responders, public transit and will likely result in your vehicle being towed with a citation.
Report downed trees. Did you see a downed tree or large limb on City property or public streets? Report it by calling 503-823-TREE (8733). Please be patient; Urban Forestry crews are minimizing safety risks and clearing the largest debris first. Emergency dispatchers are available 24 hours per day, seven days a week.
Report Road Hazards Call PBOT Maintenance emergency dispatch 24/7 at 503-823-1700