PORTLAND, Ore. — Following Wednesday's historic snowstorm, the Oregon Department of Transportation once again urged drivers to avoid traveling on roads Friday morning until conditions improve.
While there were no major traffic issues reported, unlike the gridlock the Portland metro area saw Wednesday night into Thursday morning, many highways and neighborhood streets remained icy Friday morning. Low temperatures overnight stayed below freezing, meaning any snow or slush on the ground refroze.
KGW Sunrise anchor and reporter Christine Pitawanich drove around the region Friday morning and found variable road conditions.
One slick spot she came across was on Interstate 84 near Exit 2 for Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard. Christine caught on video a vehicle in front of her spin out and then hit an abandoned car on the side of the road. Earlier, she saw several cars involved in a crash in the same area. She also found a semi parked on the off-ramp of that same exit. It appeared to have spun out slightly while traveling up the off-ramp.
Snow and icy spots aren't the only concern for drivers. On Interstate 84 eastbound, Christine saw large icicles hanging from the overpass approaching Exit 3 for 58th Avenue.
Christine and KGW Sunrise reporter Devon Haskins said that streets around downtown Portland were like an ice rink. Devon tweeted a photo taken near Northwest 10th Avenue and Couch Street, where the road there appeared to be glistening from the reflection of the traffic lights and street lamps.
KGW crews did encounter some dry roads, including Interstate 205 south near Oregon City. The highway was clear of snow and ice Friday morning and traffic appeared to move as usual.
ODOT crews have been treating the roads and responding to incidents.
"Expect icy roads throughout the area. Avoid travel until conditions improve if you can. Otherwise, be prepared for difficult driving conditions and have supplies in your vehicle in case you encounter major delays," ODOT tweeted.