The Reality of Winter
We all know that this is Northwest Oregon and from a weather perspective, anything can happen at any time during our winters. Staying safe and being prepared to deal with harsh weather conditions when they arrive must be paramount for all of us. As we learned with the unusually heavy snowfall of late December 2008 and early January 2009, the weather can quickly take us by surprise and although it gives our city a beautiful wintery look, it also creates mobility and travel problems to which many of us are not accustomed. With daylight hours at a minimum, the amount of darkness increasing, and temperatures cooling below freezing, we must all be prepared for the worst, while being ready with a proactive approach to dealing with wintery conditions.
Although City staff makes every effort to foresee the conditions that may be coming and puts plans in place to deal with the associated problems, not every situation can be addressed immediately. Priorities must be given first to clearing those streets that are required to keep emergency routes accessible including emergency sanding and ice removal for police, fire, emergency medical services, and emergency care facilities, then to providing a reasonable network of safe major streets that can be used during the morning and afternoon commute hours, and finally if resources allow, to providing access to a network of collector streets that provide access to and from the various neighborhoods throughout the city. Emphasis by city staff is also placed on keeping highly used public park restrooms accessible and open to the public and ensuring access to schools and essential City and County services is maintained.
The City typically responds to snow events with a combination sanding, anti-icing, and deicing efforts. In extreme events, contract forces and agency partners, including McMinnville Water & Light, Yamhill County, and the Oregon Department of Transportation, may be used to provide plowing and snow removal as necessary. Through these efforts, we work hard to ensure vital public facilities, streets, roads, and state highways within the city boundaries are passable while continuing to strive to ensure the safety of our citizens is maintained.
If you must drive during a winter storm event, please do so with caution. Be aware that weather conditions can change rapidly, and the roadway surface can quickly become hazardous. Before you leave, plan ahead by checking on the winter road and weather conditions. You may need to install chains or other traction devices on your vehicle, and you should make sure that your car windows, mirrors, and lights are clear of snow and ice.
When you are on the road wear your seatbelt, and use extra care driving. Be aware of potentially icy areas, and slow down. If possible, leave a few minutes early and allow extra time to get to destinations. It is better to be a few minutes late than to put yourself and others at risk by driving too fast for the conditions.
By clicking on this website’s homepage story entitled “Public Works Winter Weather Plan,” you will find a link to the City’s Snow and Ice Response Plan, including a map of priority streets. You will also find on the same page a useful link to the National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) weather website that includes not only national forecasts, but local weather forecasts and advisories for McMinnville.
Response to snow storms is a responsibility for all of us. We rely on businesses and residences to do their part to ensure the safety of all of our citizens and visitors. Businesses must be proactive in ensuring sidewalks and accesses to crosswalks are kept clear of snow and ice, ensuring a safe walking environment is maintained. For private residences it is equally important that easy access to the house be maintained for fire and emergency medical services personnel and equipment. One thing that makes McMinnville and its citizens special is an enduring quality – a sense of community spirit, compassion, and our willingness to help those in need when help is needed most.
If you know of a neighbor or someone that is unable to shovel their sidewalk or maintain that safe entrance, pitch in and help out, showing your community spirit and willingness to make your neighborhood and the City safer for all.
It is our citizens and their involvement which makes our City a special place, known for its warm and caring atmosphere. Citizens are a key to promoting a safe travel environment, especially during the harsh weather that winter can bring. And it is comforting to know that when needed, the City and its partnering agencies and McMinnville’s citizens will be there to do their parts.
Wishing You a Safe and Warm Winter Season
Mayor Rick Olson
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