VANCOUVER — Vancouver Public Works crews have been plowing nonstop through the night and into the morning, battling the heavy snowfall that has covered the city and the region.
At this time, all of Vancouver’s major streets are open, with the exception of the steep Devine Road, from Mill Plain Boulevard to 18th Street. There are also multiple reports of trees and limbs down in roadways around the city, some involving power lines. Public Works crews are clearing those areas as quickly as possible, working with Clark Public Utilities to first clear any power dangers.
Meanwhile, neighborhood streets and side streets are not plowed and are deep with snow. Vancouver Public Works encourages residents to avoid travel if at all possible. Those who must venture out should be prepared and leave sufficient room to stop or make turns under current adverse conditions.
All city of Vancouver offices are closed today due to severe winter weather impacts.
Waste Connections has canceled regular Wednesday garbage and recycling collections in Vancouver and the rest of Clark County. Customers with questions about service should call Waste Connections at (360) 892-5370 for assistance.
There are more than 1,800 lane miles of streets in the city of Vancouver. During severe weather, Vancouver Public Works prioritizes its response to deliver the strongest support for our community’s public safety network. First and top priority for the city’s plows and deicers are critical arterial streets. Next come the remaining arterials, selected collectors, snow bus routes and key streets around schools and hills. Crews also work closely with Vancouver Fire and Police to clear the way to specific sites where emergency access is needed.
During major snow and ice storms, just keeping the top priority critical streets open and passable is a process that has to be repeated again and again. Neighborhood side streets do not get plowed due to these demands and limited resources, as well as difficulties presented by numerous driveways and cars parked along curbs.
According to forecasts, snowfall will end today, but the area can expect cold temperatures through the weekend. That means the snow will be with Vancouver for a while.
Residents have been encouraged to be prepared in advance with traction devices, snow shovels and emergency preparedness kits. Please remember that adjacent property owners are responsible for keeping sidewalks passable. Those who can are urged to lend a helping hand to elderly or disabled neighbors.
To report a problem with city of Vancouver streets or water, please call Public Works Operations at (360) 487-8177. To report a downed power line, please contact Clark Public Utilities at (360) 992-8000. In case of a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. For more winter weather information and updates, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/severeweather.
