AboutSalem-News.com is the premiere Independent Online Newsgroup in the United States. Salem-News.com is setting the standard for the future of news.
~Truth~
~Justice~
~Peace~
TJP
|
Dec-20-2008 18:28 
Clark County Winter Weather Update: Hazardous Road Conditions
Salem-News.com
Vancouver crews unrelenting in battle with constant snow; Residents urged to stay off snow-packed, icy streets.
(VANCOUVER, Wash.) - As steady snowfall continues to cloak the City of Vancouver, unrelenting Public Works crews maintain their push to keep open critical streets connecting fire, police and hospitals.
All streets within the city were reported open as of 5:00 PM, but snow-packed and extremely slick in many areas as temperatures dropped. Side streets were socked with snow, 3 to 4 inches deep.
Vancouver Public Works urges residents to stay off the roads and avoid unnecessary travel if at all possible. For those who must drive, chains or traction tires are recommended. Please remain a safe distance from snow plows and other equipment, giving them ample room to safely do their job.
Vancouver street crews have been working 12-hour shifts, around the clock, since Tuesday. As darkness set in and the snow continued Saturday, 13 multi-use city snowplows were on the streets, clearing overpasses, major intersections and the critical arterials. Crews planned to continue to plow for as long as the snow continued to fall, then switch back to deicing should freezing rain or sleet arrive as forecast in late night or early Sunday morning hours.
In the event of snow, Vancouver crews clear streets as quickly as conditions and resources allow, concentrating on the city's top priority – the transportation network serving hospitals, police and fire stations. In severe winter conditions, priority route clearing is a process that repeats itself again and again. That constant battle allows no time or resources to plow residential streets.
Property owners are responsible for keeping adjacent sidewalks free from snow and ice under Vancouver Municipal Code. Those who can are urged to lend a helping hand to elderly or disabled neighbors, clearing sidewalks, preventing plumbing problems and helping ensure their safety during inclement weather.
Due to icy conditions on side streets in various areas, garbage and recycling collections normally scheduled for Friday were delayed in Vancouver and other Clark County locations. Those customers should check the web site at www.cityofvancouver.us/solidwaste for information about their next collection date. Questions about service may be directed to collection company Waste Connections (360) 892-5370.
To report a problem with City of Vancouver streets or water, please call Public Works Operations at 360-696-8177. In case of a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.
For more City of Vancouver information, please visit www.cityofvancouver.us. The following online resources are also available to help answer questions and submit requests related to streets, water, garbage collections and more:- Streets: www.cityofvancouver.us/streets
- Water: www.cityofvancouver.us/water
- Garbage and Recycling: www.cityofvancouver.us/solidwaste.
- Public Works Service Requests (water, sewer, and drainage services, streets and traffic controls within the City of Vancouver): www.cityofvancouver.us/AtYourService, click on Service Requests.
- Fire Prevention: www.vanfire.org
To report power outages, please contact Clark Public Utilities' PowerLine at (360) 992-8000.
Clark County Weather Update 12:20 PM Saturday 12-20-08
Clark County Public Works is now dealing with snow-covered roads throughout the unincorporated areas of the county. Higher elevations in the north, eastern and southeastern portions of the county remain hardest hit, but snow is now sticking and packing on lower elevation roads as well.
The department has a total of 60 workers and about 40 plow-equipped trucks working in two shifts covering the hours from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM. throughout the duration of the snow event. Work will likely continue into next week.
Road crews have been working daily on roads within unincorporated Clark County since snow first hit higher elevations on Saturday, December 13th. I-5 and state roads are maintained by the Washington State Dept. of Transportation (360) 905-2057.
Predicted icing tonight and tomorrow could lead to downed trees and power lines in some areas. Residents may call the Public Works customer service number (360) 397-2446 to report trees and limbs blocking roads. Fallen power lines and power outages must be reported to Clark Public Utilities at (360)992-3000.
Current conditions
Urban unincorporated area:
Snow now sticking on pavement and starting to pack. Road crews are plowing and applying sand on major surface streets. Chains or traction tires advised.
Rural areas:
Many of the areas in higher elevations have been getting periodic snow since Saturday, Dec. 13. Public Works estimates accumulations in populated areas ranging from several inches to two feet. Most roads are now snow packed and icy.
Hardest hit areas remain locations north of 199th Street and east of NE 182nd Avenue. This would include La Center, Amboy, Hockinson and higher elevations north of Battle Ground and Battle Ground Lake and highlands above Camas and Washougal.
Gorge wind and blowing snow in the Camas-Washougal highlands may cause snow drifts to form on roads. Public Works is prepared to respond with front-loader shovels to clear drifts if needed.
Public Works crews continue to plow and sand to keep main routes passable. People who do not need to travel should stay indoors. Motorists traveling in these higher elevations are strongly advised to use chains or traction tires.
Comments
[Return to Top]
View Most Commented on
Leave a comment on this story.HTML tags and certain characters are removed - (numbers, letters only or post may be cut short.) certain words are banned to stop spammers. All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.
©2011 Salem-News.com. All opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Salem-News.com.
Articles for December 19, 2008 | Articles for December 20, 2008 | Articles for December 21, 2008 |
Start School NOW!
Use PayPal to
contribute to
Salem-News.com:
|
