Posted in Portland December 15, 2016 by

Thousands Stranded As Winter Storm Wallops Portland

A couple of days ago we spoke about the predicted weather that Portland was expected to receive. Well, yesterday evening those frigid predictions came to life and left thousands of vehicles stranded all over the city. This rare snow storm caught everyone off guard. Today, residents are left dealing the aftermath of last night’s chaos out on the roads.

Last night thousands of vehicles were abandoned across Portland.
Sam Beebe/Flickr
Those out on the roads last night found that simple, short drives home were taking them several hours to complete.
Portland is a city where you won't find streets covered in rock salt, due to environmental reasons. So, those out on the roads yesterday were left fish-tailing and colliding into other vehicles.
Robert Brenner/YouTube
Above, you can see just one of the many accidents that took place in Portland - a sight that was all too familiar yesterday evening. Residents aren't accustomed to driving in such harsh winter conditions, and accidents began to pile up all over the city.
If you weren't snuggled underneath a blanket inside your cozy home last night, then you may have heard the constant sound of chain-covered tires spinning all over the streets.
MichaelStrick9 /YouTube
Some people traveling out in yesterday's weather were ready to face the storm, hitting the roads with chain-covered tires. Unfortunately, not all were equipped with the proper winter precautions. Videos of cars failing to make it both up or down hills safely have begun to emerge, and you can see a generous number of parked vehicles being hit by cars spinning out of control.
From semi-trucks to school busses and average cars, all types of vehicles were left abandoned on city streets and on Interstate 5.
MichaelStrick9 /YouTube
With commuters feeling genuinely concerned over whether or not their vehicles would run out of gas, many began to abandon their means of transportation on the roads.
As of this morning, the National Weather Service reported that Portland Airport had a total snowfall of 2.3 inches.
MichaelStrick9 /YouTube
Last night Portland declared a parking meter amnesty, allowing vehicles to stay parked over night in the city without receiving any penalties. The National Weather Service also reported that the major ice storm that hit Eugene resulted in a considerable amount downed trees and power lines.
Today the roads and overall weather is expected to be much clearer, although Portland commuters should still remain cautious of the icy roads.
MichaelStrick9 /YouTube
Between the storm that we were hit with last week and last night's unfortunate series of winter weather events, Portland has seen enough snow to last us a lifetime... or least until next year. Did you witness any accidents while you were out on the roads yesterday or see any abandoned cars this morning on the way to work?

Did you find yourself stranded in last night’s intense winter weather? If you’re feeling like you’re ready to embrace the snow, then take a peak a the 8 Most Picturesque Trails Near Portland That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking!