Ice Storm — Greater Portland Metro Area, Oregon

2024-01-16 to 2024-01-17 · Greater Portland Metro Area, Oregon

Event narrative

About one-half of an inch of ice accumulation was inferred from the Portland ASOS, and across the Greater Portland Metro Area from the 16th to 17th. This resulted in travel disruptions, slip and fall injuries, and power outages. In addition to the ice, persistent freezing temperatures over several days led to frozen/burst water pipes and resulting damage to some homes and businesses. There were 4 known fatalities, 3 of which occurred when a tree branch fell, due to ice accumulation, on a power line which then fell on the car with 4 occupants. Three were electrocuted when they attempted to exit the vehicle. The fourth occupant was an 9 month old who survived.

Wider weather episode

The cold air mass remained in place from the initial arctic air mass with freezing temperatures continuing. Bouts of precipitation brought more freezing rain, snow as well.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1164391. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.