Almost exactly two years after a historic ice storm pummeled the Willamette Valley, leaving thousands without power for days or even weeks, winter weather is once again in the forecast.
National Weather Service officials have issued a winter weather advisory for the Portland area, including Canby, through Valentine’s Day (Tuesday, February 14).
Monday could see scattered showers and possible thunderstorms, with the chance of snow starting before 10 p.m. Snow accumulation of between 1 and 2 inches is possible by 8 a.m. Tuesday, officials say, with lows predicted around 31 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ice and freezing temperatures are likely later in the week, according to NWS forecasts, with a low around 23 degrees Tuesday night and 27 on Wednesday.
Daytime and overnight warming shelters will be open in Clackamas County when the weather is predicted to be 33 degrees or lower (including wind chill) or when other conditions (snow, wind, flooding or other weather conditions) make sleeping outdoors especially dangerous.
Overnight shelter will be available in Canby at Zoar Lutheran Church, 190 Southwest 3rd Avenue, from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. A meal will be offered after church activities.
Dogs on leash and small pets in carriers are welcome, but confirm with staff. For information, call 503-266-4061.
Shelters are also available at the Molalla Hope Center, 209 Kennel Avenue, and the Father’s Heart Street Ministry in Oregon City, 603 12th Street, call 503-722-9780.
The Canby Public Library, 220 Northeast 2nd Avenue, is also available as a daytime warming center during normal business hours, whenever temperatures reach 35 degrees or lower for a maximum stay of two hours.
For a complete list of daytime warming centers and other information, visit clackamas.us/relief.
Amid the frigid temperatures, Portland General Electric recommends setting your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees for safety and savings. PGE also advises that each degree you lower your thermostat in the winter will save an estimated 2% on your heating bill.
Winter weather also brings the risk of power outages, and it’s a good idea to be prepared. PGE recommends an outage kit that includes flashlights or headlamps, a battery-powered radio, car chargers for your mobile devices, 72-hour supply of ready-to-eat food and water, and extra blankets.
Learn more at portlandgeneral.com/beprepared.
To report or check the status of an outage, call 503-464-7777 or 800-544-1795 or visit the online outage map at portlandgeneral.com/outages.