Portland winters may not always bring snow in abundance, but when the flaky stuff comes down, it’s always a good idea to prepare.
Warm up the hot cocoa and let’s get to it.
Checking road conditions
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has a real-time map that show which roads and sidewalks have been plowed, when they were last treated, and which roads are currently out of commission.
For those traveling in and out of Portland, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) can help with their own real-time map of road conditions throughout the region.
Public transportation
If you’re not comfortable driving but still need to get somewhere, check the following public transit options in your neighborhood. Service may change frequently depending on conditions, so look for the latest updates before you head out the door.
Power outages
This is what none of us wants during a snowstorm — make sure you’re prepared for the worst and stock up on necessities.
School closures
If you’ve got kiddos that are dying to know if their inside-out pajamas worked, Portland Public Schools has a website dedicated to explaining its snow safety measures and announcing closures.
Other important resources
Even if it doesn’t snow, temps that fall below freezing can be hazardous. Keep these pages bookmarked:
- Public Emergency Alerts | This website covers the entire Portland-Vancouver area with weather alerts in ~25 languages, warming shelter locations, cold weather health + safety tips, and more.
- Portland’s Winter Weather Services | The city’s website includes links to forms where locals can report water main breaks or other plumbing issues, phone numbers for other city service-related questions, and general winter preparedness tips.
