PORTLAND, Ore. — Road conditions quickly deteriorated in the greater Portland area Saturday amid the arrival of a winter storm, bringing snow, ice, high winds and downed trees.
Both the westbound and eastbound lanes were closed on U.S. 26 near the Camelot Court overpass due to downed powerlines on the roadway, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Few other details were immediately available.
ODOT said late Saturday morning that Highway 101 was closed in both directions at the junction with Highway 26 between Seaside and Cannon Beach due to hazardous road conditions. Freezing rain was making the roadway slippery, causing trucks without chains to lose traction or jack-knife.
Road crews were spreading sand on the highway to restore traction, but ODOT said it would take time to reopen.
While the Astoria-Megler Bridge and Youngs Bay Bridge in Astoria were temporarily closed due to freezing rain, ODOT said that they'd been reopened around 1 p.m.
"Snow and ice are affecting roads in lower elevations across northwest Oregon, including Portland and the Willamette Valley," the agency said. "Coastal areas are seeing heavy rain, freezing rain and cold temperatures. Reschedule your travel if possible."
Multnomah County officials said that two county roads were closed due to downed trees and power lines. Southeast Troutdale Road was closed between Division Drive and Strebin Road, while Northeast Brower Road was closed in the 1800-block.
In Washington County, deputies closed Northwest Laidlaw Road from Northwest 140th Avenue to Lakeview Drive for a downed power line. The agency said Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, PGE and NW Natural were on-scene.
"Deputies are prepared and ready to respond to any emergency, but it is icy outside, and we urge you to stay indoors for safety," the sheriff's office said.
For major routes, ODOT's TripCheck has current conditions.
PHOTOS: Downed trees across Oregon as winter storm hits
Weekend travel discouraged
ODOT warned that there would be "challenging" winter weather across much of northern Oregon on Saturday, with snow and ice impacting roads in even lower elevations. Coastal areas were expected to see heavy rain and cold temperatures, while mountain passes get snow, ice and heavy winds.
"In the Portland Metro area, we are preparing for a wintry mix of freezing rain and ice. These conditions are challenging and very hard to combat, even with the tools we have," the agency said.
Freezing rain hit much of the Willamette Valley between Salem and Eugene, and an ODOT vehicle spreading salt got rear-ended on I-5 south of Albany during those slippery conditions.
"Our crews report vehicles traveling too fast for the current road conditions, as well as trucks not using chains when needed," ODOT continued. "At one point overnight, there were nine active crashes between Albany and Eugene on I-5, with trucks blocking the road. These incidents highlight the need to slow down and use the appropriate traction devices for your vehicle."
The agency pointed out that snow and ice would be just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. The freezing temperatures, heavy precipitation and wind can cause slides, rock falls, downed trees and high water on roadways.
"Drive with caution no matter where you are going through the weekend and into the early part of next week," the agency said.
Overall, ODOT recommended rescheduling any weekend travel plans, as quickly-changing road and weather conditions can make travel difficult, if not impossible.