Multnomah County officials are bracing Portland residents for a possible winter wallop, declaring a state of emergency Wednesday evening as forecasts warn of up to 3 inches of snow through Thursday afternoon. Citing potential risks associated with the snowfall, county leaders are not taking any chances, having been advised of wind gusts that could reach 40 mph, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
With the memory of previous winter storms that have paralyzed Portland, the city, which usually deals with rain rather than snow, finds only a third of its street grid receives treatment for snow and ice, and it doesn't plow side streets. As the snowfall is expected to begin tonight, the county is set to open four severe weather shelters, which will offer refuge from 8 p.m. today through at least 10 a.m. Thursday. If conditions require so, they are also ready to keep the shelters open beyond the planned times, as mentioned in the Seattle Times.
Additional beds have been prepared at an already operating year-round shelter in Portland, responding to the needs of the vulnerable population during extreme weather events. Authorities are looking to ramp up outreach to the homeless population, estimated in the thousands, who live outdoors, distributing necessary cold weather gear to fend off the chill. This measure seeks to prevent tragedies similar to last month's, where harsh winter conditions were responsible for at least 10 deaths in Oregon, caused by hypothermia and falling trees or utility poles—stakes that officials are keenly aware of.
For those seeking refuge from the cold, Multnomah County will make 480 temporary beds available across four temporary shelters in addition to the Market Street Shelter, which is located at 120 S.E. Market St., set to be accessible from 8 p.m. Wednesday. The additional shelters will open their doors by 8 p.m., ready to provide warmth and safety during the frosty blast. The county's vigilance is indicative of taking past experiences as a staunch lesson to safeguard its residents, paying heed to a weather system that does not discriminate in the challenges it presents. For more details on shelter locations and emergency measures, information can be sought through the report by The Oregonian.
