Eugene Public Works is closely monitoring a potential winter storm system that is expected to bring freezing temperatures and perhaps snow to the valley floor and south hills. Staff have converted trucks to help battle any snow or ice, and are on standby if road conditions deteriorate.
When temperatures are near or below freezing, staff will pretreat elevated surfaces and known trouble spots with deicer. In the event there is a significant amount of snow and ice, public works will execute its Ice/Snow Plan. The plan is designed to keep transportation systems as operational and as safe as possible during ice/snow storms. Read more about the City’s winter weather response
Driving Tips
Residents are urged to check weather and road conditions before heading out and then drive accordingly. Eugene Police have some tips for driving during rainy/winter weather:
- If it is icy out and you don't have to travel, stay home
- Slow down
- Leave plenty of driving distance, don't accelerate quickly and don't brake abruptly
- Drive defensively and cautiously – your eyes should be looking ahead and down the road so you can see conditions and traffic and will be able to react appropriately and calmly
- Even if you have a green light, check to see you are safe proceeding through the intersection
- There may be vehicles sliding into the intersection, without the ability to stop due to road conditions and unsafe driving
- If you have an outside temperature gauge in your car, check it from time to time (These gauges are inexpensive and available at stores locally)
- Drive as though you can't rely on your brakes
- Be aware that road conditions can change quickly as the temperature drops
- The surface on overpasses and bridges freeze faster so be cautious
- Remove all ice on windshields, windows, headlights and tail lights prior to driving to ensure adequate visibility, and make sure the vehicle’s windshield is defrosted
- Carry chains or traction devices if it is going to snow
- Check your tire pressure. It should be at least at the level recommended by the manufacturer. As the temperature drops, so does tire pressure
- Turn headlights on
- If you crash, carefully evaluate the situation from inside your vehicle. Don't immediately get out because it is possible other vehicles might also be crashing near you. Don't stand between moving traffic and your vehicle. Use a flare, hazard lights or other signaling device to warn other drivers of the crash
- Four-wheel drive vehicles and all-wheel drive vehicles are great at accelerating, but in snow or ice that doesn't help you stop or turn.
- Don’t use cruise control in freezing, near freezing, or rainy conditions. The powered wheels can lose traction.
- In freezing weather, be especially careful on overpasses.