Portland Area Weather Forecast: Friday Commute May Be Icy

There had been some talk of snow accumulating Thursday evening and while that went away, we are from out of the woods. The National Weather Service's Portland Office sees a Friday commute that may be icy.

Forecasters see more bands of freezing rain through the area through Thursday night into Friday morning - each one potentially stronger.

The result will be ice on the ground for the morning commute - maybe up to a quarter-inch. It may not seem like a lot but it will be enough to cause problems. More than enough.

"Allow extra time for the Friday morning as roads may be slick," forecasters wrote. "Check road conditions before leaving."

There is also a Wind Advisory, which is in effect until 4 a.m. and a Winter Weather Advisory in effect until 4 a.m. on Saturday.

The Portland Bureau of Transportation, which has been criticized for its response to storms last month, is ready for what comes on Friday.

They have three trucks loaded with salt ready to go, representing a change in policy for Portland which has long eschewed the use of salt.

If needed, the trucks will first salt the area around Southeast 112th and Mount Scott Boulevard or the North Going Street and the Channel Avenue Lagoon loop on Swan Island.

PBOT says they are also prepared to salt Southwest Terwilliger but, based on the forecast, they are thinking it may not be needed.

Image via National Weather Service-Portland