Clark County Winter Weather Update: Hazardous Road Conditions

Vancouver crews unrelenting in battle with constant snow; Residents urged to stay off snow-packed, icy streets‏.

Salem-News.com

(VANCOUVER, Wash.) - As steady snowfall continues to cloak the City of Vancouver, unrelenting Public Works crews maintain their push to keep open critical streets connecting fire, police and hospitals. All streets within the city were reported open as of 5:00 PM, but snow-packed and extremely slick in many areas as temperatures dropped. Side streets were socked with snow, 3 to 4 inches deep. Vancouver Public Works urges residents to stay off the roads and avoid unnecessary travel if at all possible. For those who must drive, chains or traction tires are recommended. Please remain a safe distance from snow plows and other equipment, giving them ample room to safely do their job. Vancouver street crews have been working 12-hour shifts, around the clock, since Tuesday. As darkness set in and the snow continued Saturday, 13 multi-use city snowplows were on the streets, clearing overpasses, major intersections and the critical arterials. Crews planned to continue to plow for as long as the snow continued to fall, then switch back to deicing should freezing rain or sleet arrive as forecast in late night or early Sunday morning hours. In the event of snow, Vancouver crews clear streets as quickly as conditions and resources allow, concentrating on the city's top priority – the transportation network serving hospitals, police and fire stations. In severe winter conditions, priority route clearing is a process that repeats itself again and again. That constant battle allows no time or resources to plow residential streets. Property owners are responsible for keeping adjacent sidewalks free from snow and ice under Vancouver Municipal Code. Those who can are urged to lend a helping hand to elderly or disabled neighbors, clearing sidewalks, preventing plumbing problems and helping ensure their safety during inclement weather. Due to icy conditions on side streets in various areas, garbage and recycling collections normally scheduled for Friday were delayed in Vancouver and other Clark County locations. Those customers should check the web site at www.cityofvancouver.us/solidwaste for information about their next collection date. Questions about service may be directed to collection company Waste Connections (360) 892-5370. To report a problem with City of Vancouver streets or water, please call Public Works Operations at 360-696-8177. In case of a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. For more City of Vancouver information, please visit www.cityofvancouver.us. The following online resources are also available to help answer questions and submit requests related to streets, water, garbage collections and more:

• Streets: www.cityofvancouver.us/streets
• Water: www.cityofvancouver.us/water
• Garbage and Recycling: www.cityofvancouver.us/solidwaste.
• Public Works Service Requests (water, sewer, and drainage services, streets and traffic controls within the City of Vancouver): www.cityofvancouver.us/AtYourService, click on Service Requests.
• Fire Prevention: www.vanfire.org