Winter Freeze 2024 Portland, Oregon (Troutdale: appliances, house, camp)

[2bpurrfect]

How has the winter freeze of January and end-of-el-Nino weather of 2024 been treating you in Portland? This has been one of the worst winter cold spells , stormy weather with massive power outages and unusually cold weather, for this area in a long time.

What have you experienced? good or bad.
How did the city and other services react or prepare? Delivery services, us mail, businesses, etc. What's your critique of them?

The major electrical outages of PGE, frozen plumbing, no heat, utilities , downed trees, icy streets, etc--
How did you cope and what measures have you taken, what have you learned, what will you do for future preparedness??

[StealthRabbit]

When I see the countless weather news broadcasts from Troutdale, where it appears intense windy, cold, icy, and treacherous.

It's a just a breeze compared to home.
10 miles east
1 mile narrower wind vortex = higher velocity (100 mph + )
1000 ft higher (much colder, and far more moisture)


But... Very little traffic

No criticism of services (except news crews causing sensational stress in the city)
Power, EMS, and road crews braving the elements and working very long shifts. (Retired, I do miss that overtime! And adrenaline rush of completing demanding tasks in difficult conditions)

Store / medical employees! Thanks for being there.

Everyone working to help keep things rolling are to be commended (including airlines )

Preparedness? Being a bit more supplied with warming devices for power out (have had 3 different outages, including tonight ).
1).Propane lanterns and camp stoves have been very useful,
2) multi wick large (70 hr) candles.
3) Woodstove invaluable.
4) insulated coveralls (very useful, even to sleep in when house is 37f)
5) keep the chainsaw ready and accessible
6) have contacts for neighbors.
7) USB chargeable headlamps
8) USB power packs
9) need Jackery / LT service inverter for small appliances and fans for pellet and Woodstove.
10) keep cupboards stocked (that's normal). Ramen on the camp stove with frozen stir fry veggies+ egg and chicken was nice, simple, low cost, warm meal tonight.

Biggest issue for those of us rural is water well service / and livestock.

This is so simple compared to growing up on the prairie (blizzards and livestock). Except for Large trees! = plenty of firewood for next few yrs.

For an attitude adjustment, I watch PBS, Winter of 1949 (Wyoming and Nebraska).
My parents were busy doing rescues for weeks during that event.



Being alone, in a blizzard, with no other people for many miles, and lots of difficulty and responsibility, is far different than not being able to drive to the coffee shop or grocery store for a day or two.

Weather looking to improve tomorrow. 70 - 90 mph wind for tomorrow, and freezing rain to 10" of snow