Temperatures rise, but ice-related headaches remain

Temperatures have climbed above freezing in Clark County and much of the Portland metro area, but headaches and hazards from lingering ice still remain.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement this morning warning of falling ice hazards as temperatures rise.

“Ice falling from elevated surfaces such as trees, wires, and buildings can cause serious injuries or property damage to vehicles and light structures,” the statement said. “Avoid parking cars under trees and be especially aware when walking under trees, under overpasses, and near buildings.”

Trees and downed power lines are causing outages in north Clark County and in Camas and Washougal, according to Clark Public Utilites. As of 3:05 p.m., about 170 customers were without power. Utility crews had restored power to 9,214 others.

Icy conditions remain a problem in the Columbia River Gorge. The Oregon Department of Transportation closed Interstate 84 between Troutdale, Ore., and Hood River for much of the day due to heavy icing and numerous accidents. The freeway was opened to eastbound traffic at 5 p.m., but westbound lanes remained closed.

In Washington, state Highway 14 was closed to commercial vehicles with 10,000 GVW in both directions from milepost 18 in Washougal to milepost 65 in Bingen.

The weather forecast calls for rains showers and temperatures rising to 40 degrees this afternoon. Temperatures will hold steady at that level overnight, rising to 44 degrees Sunday, with continued showers.