The National Weather Service extended an ice storm warning until 10 a.m. Friday for Western Oregon’s Central Coast Range and South Willamette Valley, which includes Philomath.
According to the NWS, significant icing has occurred with additional ice accumulations of around two tenths of an inch. Power outages and tree damage are likely and travel will be difficult, the agency added.
“Travel is strongly discouraged,” the NWS said in its alert. “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Prepare for possible power outages.”
As for temperatures, the NWS reported that they should warm to above freezing from Harrisburg to Corvallis by 11 a.m. to noon Friday. In the Eugene-Springfield area and Central Coast Range area, the temperatures should warm to above freezing by approximately 7 a.m.
Although motorists should be cautious about driving on any road in the current conditions, Philomath Fire & Rescue recently identified various spots that could take longer to recover from icy conditions:
• Fern Road between the Powder House Road intersections, especially in the curves.
• Decker Road between Peterson Road and Highway 34.
• Kings Valley Highway.
• Parts of Bellfountain Road.
• Bridges that extend over water, particularly over the Marys River.
• Other overpasses in the area that may also develop ice more quickly.
According to information published by Benton County, there are two “warming centers” — indoor-heated facilities that are free for the public to access during designated hours:
• Philomath Fire & Rescue, 1035 Main St., 541-360-0030, open Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Philomath Community Library, 1050 Applegate St., 541-929-3016, open Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Additional local resources for people in need can be accessed through Community Services Consortium at communityservices.us or by calling 541-928-6335.