The National Weather Service has issued an ice storm warning from 10 p.m. Friday to 10 p.m. Saturday for southern portions of Willamette Valley, an area that includes Philomath.
According to the NWS, significant icing is expected with ice accumulations of around 0.5 inches. In addition, total snow accumulations of up to 1 inch are possible.
“Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice,” the NWS said through the alert. “Travel will be difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute.”
Benton County officials are recommending that residents avoid driving in icy conditions and if a trip is necessary, to slow down and use caution.
“Travel is strongly discouraged. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” the NWS added. “Prepare for possible power outages.”
The weather has forced changes and cancellations involving local events. Philomath High’s varsity girls and boys basketball games were moved up one hour with the girls at 4:30 p.m. and the boys at 6 p.m. All weekend sports have been canceled, including swimming and wrestling. In addition, a Benton County Genealogical Society program scheduled for Saturday morning has been postponed until Feb. 10.
The latest Philomath forecast for Friday afternoon shows a 50% chance of snow and a high of 44. The forecast predicts rain and snow in the evening changing to a wintry mix overnight with a low of around 26.
On Saturday, the Philomath forecast predicts periods of freezing rain with a high of 29. A wintry mix is in the forecast for the evening with clouds lingering late and a low of 22. The precipitation is predicted to clear out Sunday and Monday but cold temperatures remain with a high of 33 and low of 24 on Sunday and a high of 32 and low of 16 on Monday. Freezing rain could again be an issue on Tuesday.
Daytime warming centers are available throughout Benton County. Warming centers are indoor-heated facilities that are free for the public to access during designated hours. Locally, Philomath Fire and Rescue (1035 Main St., 541-360-0030) has open hours from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily and Philomath Community Library (1050 Applegate St., 541-929-3016) is open Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Some daytime warming centers may be closed Monday on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.