Benton County Public Works initiated 24-hour operations and is collaborating with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office to tackle road conditions and related challenges, the county reported Tuesday.
Plows and sanders are being deployed for use on the county’s road network and workers are responding to downed trees.
An ice storm warning issued by the National Weather Service is currently in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday. The alert warns of significant icing and snow accumulations of up to 1 inch and ice accumulations of around two-tenths of an inch.
County officials said the public’s willingness to heed weather warnings have helped.
“The light traffic and people choosing to stay home have significantly contributed to enhancing operational capabilities for our public safety professionals,” Benton County Emergency Manager Bryan Lee said through a press release.
Benton County encourages community members to stay informed, avoid driving in icy conditions whenever possible and if travel is a must, to slow down and use caution. The county provides travel tips on its website.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to not call Benton County dispatch or 911 to inquire about road conditions or power outages as operations continue to prioritize emergency response.
Pacific Power and Consumer Powers Inc. each provide information on their respective websites. Road condition information is available on tripcheck.com or by calling 511.
The latest Tuesday forecast for Philomath shows a high of 30 and freezing rain in the afternoon with icing possible. In the evening, light freezing rain changing to rain overnight is anticipated. Rain is expected to continue for periods over the rest of the week but daytime highs will rise into the mid to upper 40s.