January 16, 2024 3:30 a.m.

Temperatures remain below freezing across much of the state and the National Weather Service is forecasting freezing rain across northwest Oregon and southwest Washington with ice accumulations between 0.10 and 0.50 inches.

A release from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management said agencies are warning Oregonians to stay off roads and prepare for additional tree damage and power outages. Ice will make for extremely dangerous travel conditions.

Oregon’s Public Utility Commission is anticipating more power outages due to high winds and ice. Cell tower outages challenge communications for cell phone service and the internet service may be impacted by communication fiber and electric outages.

ODEM encourages people to stay home, be informed, have an emergency plan and stock an emergency kit. A basic kit should include:

*Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)

*Several days’ supply of non-perishable easy-to-eat food, like peanut butter, protein and granola bars, jerky, nuts, fruit, crackers and beans and rice

*Manual can opener

*Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

*Battery powered or hand crank radio or a weather radio

*Flashlight with extra batteries

*First-aid kit

*Sleeping bag or warm blankets

ODEM advises older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers to consider individual circumstances and specific needs when planning for emergencies and create a support network of people who can help during an event. People should check on elderly neighbors or individuals with special needs who might need additional assistance.