Schools were preemptively closed for Thursday, February 23, in advance of a winter blast predicted to blanket the Canby area in 3 to 5 inches of snow beginning around 10 p.m. Wednesday evening.
The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for the area through at least noon Thursday, with snow accumulation of between 1 and 6 inches across greater Portland and the Willamette Valley.
Winds gusting as high as 35 mph were also predicted, with extremely cold wind chills as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit (lows in the low 20s without wind chill).
Canby School District officials made the call around 9 p.m. that all classes would be canceled, along with preschool and extracurricular activities.
Per district policy, the first day of school cancellation due to inclement weather is a snow day for students and staff, but any subsequent days that schools remain closed will be online learning days.
“In the event of an online learning day, Canby High School will begin at 8:40 a.m. and all other schools will begin at 9:30 a.m.,” an earlier message from the Canby School District reminded families Wednesday evening. “Students should watch for Zoom links from their teachers.
“If students have trouble connecting or need help, they should reach out to their teacher. Canby School District strives to make the most of this valuable educational time, but please know that students will not be penalized if they are unable to connect.”
For more information about inclement weather procedures, visit the Canby School District’s website here.
The weather will also cause some headaches for planners of the wrestling state championships, in which at least 15 grapplers from the Northwest Oregon Conference champion Canby Cougars were expected to compete.
The tournament was expected to begin Thursday, but OSAA officials learned late Wednesday that the Veterans Memorial Coliseum would be closed. Visit osaa.org for a revised schedule and other updates.
All in-person and remote classes, events, work and activities were also canceled Thursday for Clackamas Community College. And Clackamas County government offices, clinics and facilities were also closed Thursday due to the inclement weather.
Weather and transportation officials advised those who do need to brave the elements late Wednesday or early Thursday to plan on slippery road conditions that could impact evening or morning commutes.
“Travelers should prepare for winter driving conditions throughout the state over the next few days,” ODOT said in an advisory Wednesday. “Snow, low temperatures, and high winds are all in the forecast.
“Valleys and other low-elevation areas will likely have less snow, but low overnight temperatures can make roads icy. A clear road can still have ice, so slow down and budget extra time for your trip.”
Roads through high-elevation areas are expected to see packed snow and ice. Tire chain restrictions will be in effect on most high-elevation roads.
State and county crews will be plowing and treating the roads, but can’t be everywhere at once. Motorists are advised to give snowplows and other vehicles space, and double-check the weather and route before heading out.
Visit tripcheck.com for the latest on road conditions, chain restrictions, and other winter travel information.
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.
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.