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(Feb. 4, 2025) The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) advises the traveling public to prepare for freezing temperatures and potential snow overnight Tuesday night and during the Wednesday morning commute.
If you're traveling on Wednesday morning, use extreme caution as streets and sidewalks will likely be frozen and slick, creating hazardous conditions for all travelers.
PBOT has been activated for winter weather response since late last week and is working around the clock. Last night, PBOT crews placed more than 8,000 gallons of liquid anti-icer on Portland streets and they're ready for the potential for snow during tomorrow's morning commute.
The National Weather Service has advised PBOT that showers turning to snow could start by midnight tonight, continuing through the Wednesday morning commute in the Portland-Vancouver metro area. Conditions may worsen before dawn, with a 40-60% chance of 1 inch of snow and 10-30% chance of 2 inches of snow on Wednesday morning. Road conditions may improve over the course of a few hours, as temperatures warm later in the morning.
Any snow that does accumulate at lower elevations, such as downtown and Central Portland neighborhoods, is expected to thaw during afternoons. But areas above 500 feet elevation may see freezing temperatures persist into the afternoon before warming up. There is high confidence that below freezing temperatures return at night through the rest of week, so roadways could get slick as wet roads may refreeze overnight.
The forecast has some uncertainty. In the days and hours in advance of a winter storm, forecasts often change. If you are traveling tomorrow morning, please adjust your plans to the conditions you see in real time.
Respond to weather conditions you see while traveling
People driving, walking or biking are advised to be prepared to respond to the weather conditions you see on your trip. If you see snow or icy precipitation, slow down. Use extra caution. Be prepared to slow down or pull over to park your vehicle and wait for conditions to improve. Dress warmly.
The public should be prepared for worse conditions than is forecast, including more snow and snowfall that arrives earlier or later than expected. Forecasts come with uncertainty, and weather forecasters have difficulty predicting snow in the Portland area.
Be prepared to travel based on the conditions you encounter during your trip, including carrying traction devices like chains and an emergency weather kit in your vehicle. Helpful items to include in addition to chains are a snow shovel, bag of sand, jumper cables, first aid kit, basic tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver and knife), blanket and warm clothing, extra food and water, cell phone and extra charger, and a flashlight.
View additional winter weather travel tips online.
During winter weather, PBOT works to keep vital public transit lines and emergency routes open. These snow and ice routes are the most critical for our city’s police and fire stations, hospitals, schools, frequent bus routes, the downtown core, and major business districts -- about a third of our entire street grid. PBOT’s mission is to provide at least one passable lane in each direction on these routes so that vehicles with front wheel drive or traction devices can get through.
See our Winter Weather Center for a full interactive map of our routes.
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The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the city’s transportation system and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage, and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. Learn more at portland.gov/transportation
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