Snow, ice, frigid temps due in NW: Seattle to open shelters, Oregon, Portland declare emergency
SEATTLE (AP) -- A Pacific Northwest forecast of frigid temperatures with snow and ice in some places has Seattle opening shelters while Oregon’s governor and the city of Portland have declared a state of emergency.
Seattle city leaders said Thursday that the city will open two severe weather shelters in the evenings starting Saturday through at least Wednesday. The shelters — at Seattle Center Exhibition Hall and at Compass Housing Alliance — will open at 7 p.m. each day.
National Weather Service in Seattle meteorologist Reid Wolcott said at a news conference with Mayor Jenny Durkan on Thursday that the main concern is cold temperatures in the region, with daytime highs next week struggling to reach freezing and overnight lows that could drop to single digits.
“This is a rare event,” Wolcott said. “It’s been years since those of us at the weather service in Seattle have seen forecast data like this.”
Measurable snow is also possible in the Seattle and Portland regions over the weekend, forecasters have said.
“Very cold temperatures will impact vulnerable populations such as the homeless, pets, and those without adequate access to heating,” the National Weather Service said Thursday.
Durkan urged people to stay home if possible, check on neighbors and pets and help to keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice.
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown issued a state of emergency declaration Thursday evening to remain in effect through Jan. 3, saying expected snow and sustained temperatures below freezing could result in critical transportation failures and disruptions to power and communications infrastructure.
Her declaration authorizes the Oregon Office of Emergency Management to activate state resources, and to use personnel, equipment, and facilities from other state agencies to respond to the weather emergency.
Earlier Thursday, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury also declared states of emergency to continue during the expected days-long cold snap, KOIN-TV reported.
“This will give us the maximum ability to plan, contract and seek additional resources over what could be a very long cold snap stretching to the new year,” Kafoury said at a news conference.
Five severe weather shelters will also open in Portland and around Multnomah County starting Saturday, officials said.
“Our state has experienced a number of climate-related emergencies this year, and with another coming, I urge all Oregonians to make a plan with your family now and be prepared,” Brown said in a news release.
Governor Kate Brown Declares State of Emergency Due to Projected Severe Winter Weather
Emergency declaration applies statewide, Dec. 23-Jan 3
(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today declared a state of emergency lasting through January 3 due to projected severe winter weather across the state. This weather is expected to bring heavy snow and sustained temperatures below freezing, resulting in critical transportation failures and disruptions to power and communications infrastructure.
"Our state has experienced a number of climate-related emergencies this year, and with another coming, I urge all Oregonians to make a plan with your family now and be prepared,” said Governor Brown. “I am directing state agencies to work proactively with local emergency management partners to coordinate on communications for emergency services, such as warming centers. Winter storms mean increased risk for those traveling as well as those staying home for the holidays. Check on your neighbors and loved ones when you can do so safely. If road conditions worsen, please help our first responders by staying home when possible.”
Pursuant to ORS 401.165, Governor Brown determined a potential threat to life, safety, property, and significant damage to infrastructure exists due to severe winter weather across Oregon. The National Weather Service has issued multiple winter storm watches, warnings, and winter weather advisories throughout our state.
The Governor's declaration authorizes the Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to activate state resources, and to utilize personnel, equipment, and facilities from other state agencies in order to respond to or mitigate the effects of the weather emergency. In addition, the Oregon National Guard, Oregon State Police, Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon Department of Human Services, and the Oregon Public Utility Commission and other state agencies are directed to provide any assistance as requested by OEM that is deemed necessary to assist in the response.
A full copy of the emergency declaration, Executive Order 21-37, is available here.
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Pendleton OR 129 PM PST Thu Dec 23 2021 ORZ041-044-049-050-502-503-505>511-WAZ024-026>030-520-521-242300- Eastern Columbia River Gorge of Oregon- Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon-Grande Ronde Valley-Wallowa County- Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon- Southern Blue Mountains of Oregon-John Day Basin-Ochoco- John Day Highlands- Foothills of the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon- Foothills of the Southern Blue Mountains of Oregon- East Slopes of the Oregon Cascades-North Central Oregon- Central Oregon-Eastern Columbia River Gorge of Washington- Kittitas Valley-Yakima Valley-Lower Columbia Basin of Washington- Foothills of the Blue Mountains of Washington- Northwest Blue Mountains-East Slopes of the Washington Cascades- Simcoe Highlands- Including the cities of Arlington, The Dalles, Boardman, Hermiston, Ione, Cove, Elgin, La Grande, Union, Enterprise, Joseph, Wallowa, Meacham, Tollgate, Long Creek, North Powder, Ukiah, Dayville, John Day, Mitchell, Monument, Spray, Brothers, Paulina, Prairie City, Seneca, Athena, Pendleton, Pilot Rock, Heppner, Condon, Fossil, Camp Sherman, La Pine, Sisters, Sunriver, Dufur, Maupin, Moro, Bend, Madras, Prineville, Redmond, White Salmon, Ellensburg, Thorp, Naches, Sunnyside, Toppenish, Yakima, Connell, Prosser, Tri-Cities, Dayton, Waitsburg, Walla Walla, Ski Bluewood Resort, Appleton, Cle Elum, Cliffdell, Goldendale, and Bickleton 129 PM PST Thu Dec 23 2021 ...DANGEROUSLY COLD TEMPERATURES EXPECTED NEXT WEEK... An arctic air mass is expected to bring significantly colder temperatures beginning early next week and continuing into the New Year. Multiple days of high temperatures below freezing with overnight lows into the single digits and below zero are forecast. Wind chills below zero will be possible. With this extreme cold, frost bite and hypothermia will occur much faster. If outdoors, remember to dress in layers and cover exposed skin. Uncovered pipes will be susceptible to freezing and bursting.
