Wind Storm Blowing Through Sullivan's Gluch

Lots of serious wind happening in our neck of the woods today! While many of us are used to a gentle rustle that beckons from the gulch, this is must stronger and the storm has even taken part of a large old maple tree down. The portion of the tree that snapped off is substantial; crews from multiple utilities have responded and traffic flow is temporarily impacted. Here are the details and few photos:

• The tree is located NE Weidler and NE 22nd. The fallen section of the tree is completely blocking NE Weidler. 

• Power lines on the south side of street are entangled.

• Portland Police has everything taped off and a cruiser is stationed.

• NE Weidler taped off at NE 21st.

• Plan for some traffic back-up on the west side of NE 21st and a little extra drive through traffic  for those of us who are nearby as people reroute themselves to get around the blocked off area. 

Our neighborhood has many amazing old trees. Chances are that many of us have a few more twigs to pick up in the driveway and on the sidewalk today... if you ever come accross a situation where power lines are impacted there are some very important things you must do. Pacific Power advises the following: 

• If you spot a power line down, keep everyone out of the area and call 911 and Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088. Never try to move a downed line. Always assume a downed line is energized and dangerous. Touching a live line or anything near it – like a fence or a puddle – can cause electricity to flow through your body, resulting in serious injury or death. Stay safe and stay away.

• If an electric line falls on your car and you're inside it, stay inside until help arrives. You are safe from electrical shock as long as you're inside the vehicle. If you must escape due to a car fire, leap from the open vehicle with both feet together, (and continue to hop away with both feet together) taking care not to touch the car once you've made contact with the ground. Warn others to stay clear of the vehicle until power company officials arrive.

Urban Forestry is another tree resource that is important to have on hand. They are part of Portland Parks & Recreation. For tree emergencies on publicly owned land or right-of-way within the City of Portland, call Urban Forestry at: 503-823-4489. Urban Forestry staff are on call 24/7 to respond to tree emergencies. Review what they have to say about tree related emergencies here.