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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />February 8, 2014, 3:30 p.m. <br /> <br />CONTACT: Eric Johnson, Operations Chief, 541-682-4800 <br /> <br />From Public Information Section, 541-682-5523 or 541-954-2938 <br /> <br />FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br /> <br />Down Trees Increase Hazards of Winter Storm <br />Eugene Public Works urban forestry crews on Saturday responded to more than 125 <br />reports of trees and limbs down on local streets as the winter storm added ice rain to the mix of <br />weather that has snarled roads and brought most activities to a standstill. <br />Tree crews are scheduled to work around the clock if necessary to keep streets open in <br />Eugene. Public Works is coordinating closely with EWEB to ensure crew safety if power lines are <br />snagged in ice-encrusted toppled trees and broken limbs. <br />As of 3 p.m., 10 tree crews were dealing with more than a dozen closed streets, including <br />Willakenzie near Coburg Road, Buck Street, West Fourth Avenue, and portions of Taylor, Adams <br />and Polk streets. <br />To report a blocked street in Eugene, call 541-682-4800. For power outages in Eugene, call <br />EWEB at 541-685-7000. Public Works cannot respond to trees on private property. <br />Meanwhile, five plows kept busy throughout the day, clearing deep, icy slush from major <br />thoroughfares. Crews are spot sanding key intersections, but the ice rain has made driving and <br />walking very hazardous. <br />More than a foot of snow has fallen in Eugene since early Thursday morning. Ice rain began <br />late Friday afternoon and has continued on and off through the day. Heavy loads of snow and ice <br />have accumulated on trees and roofs, creating the potential for hazards from falling limbs, icicles, <br />collapsed awnings and other overhead structures. <br />Eugene Public Works continues to work round the clock, responding to the storm. An ice- <br />snow emergency declared Thursday continues to be in effect, means parked or abandoned vehicles <br />on priority routes may be towed without warning. A map showing the location of priority routes <br />can be viewed at www.eugene-or.gov/snow. <br />For information about the status of City services, including flights at the Eugene Airport, go <br />to www.eugene-or.gov. <br /># # # <br /> <br />Public Works Administration ● City of Eugene ● 101 E. Broadway, Suite 400, Eugene, OR 97401 <br />Phone 541-682-8421 ● Fax 541-682-6826 ● www.eugene-or.gov/pw <br />