1/15/2024
On January 14, 2024 the City of Newport released a statement discussing their response following their declaration of an Emergency due to Winter Storm impacts of a winter ice storm. The emergency declaration was issued on January 13, 2024. Their statement on their actions and providing updates is below.
Power remains out generally north of NW 15th street, although the fire station and other locations are impacted south of this location. There are many local outages throughout the City and PUD service areas. PUD is focusing on restoring power to the Agate Beach substation which serves this area. The transmission lines and poles were taken out on Big Creek Road and other locations, making this a challenging operation. PUD hopes to restore power to the substation by this evening. Outages will continue after the substation is restored due to distribution lines needing to be restored, therefore locations in the City may be without power for an extended period. PUD is indicating locations in north Newport should prepare to be without electricity for the next 24 hours.
Oceanview Assisted Living has been without power since yesterday. The City and Pacific West Ambulance are assisting Oceanview Assisted Living to address the needs of its residents.
Newport Public Works is continuing to remove downed trees and branches from the streets. Newport Police Department identified problem areas. The City will make a determination of whether we need contractual services to assist crews with this work.
Water and waste water operations continue to operate normally off backup power. Public Works crews are continuing to monitor those lift stations that do not have backup power.
The City is currently working with Lincoln County to open up an emergency shelter. Further details on this will come from Lincoln County.
Please minimize travel during winter storms. Trees and broken branches will continue to fall after the storm so use caution around trees and avoid all downed power lines.
Further announcements will be made if the situation changes. Thank you for your cooperation.
On January 13, 2024 the City of Newport declared an Emergency due to Winter Storm impacts:
Injuries: To date, 1 person taken to hospital because of tree falling on homeless camp and multiple injuries have been reported due to downed trees.
Property Damage: Substantial Public and Private damage has occurred due to down trees and loss of power. Trees have landed on buildings, vehicles, and power lines. Businesses have closed due to both downed trees and loss of power and employee safety.
Public Works, Fire and Police are all engaged in responding to numerous fallen trees and downed power and utility lines throughout various locations in the City. Power has been out in north Newport since noon.
The City has closed numerous streets where trees and power lines are down or where alternative routes are available. US HWY101 in the City from Walmart north has a number of trees that are blocking lanes, but it is still passible through the City. US HWY 20 and US HWY 18 and State HWY 229 are closed because of trees. Public works is prioritizing those streets that are primary routes or routes that are dead-end for tree removal. Trees are continuing to fall in certain locations.
Public Works has been using a vacuum truck at waste pump stations due to lack of power. The vacuum truck was hit by a falling tree and this may result in sanitary overflow at pump stations that have extended power loss.
Temperatures will be dropping as the evening progresses. Wind is forecast to increase before settling down after 2:00 am this morning. It is likely that additional trees and power lines will be affected by these conditions.
Please minimize travel during winter storms. Trees and broken branches will continue to fall after the storm so use caution around trees and avoid all downed power lines.
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