MAX, portland\'s light rail train MAX, portland\'s light rail train
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TriMet’s website offers updates on public transit conditions.
Credit: Darryll DeCoster via Flickr

Portland Public Safety Resources

Use these links to get the most accurate public safety information.

2 min read

Know Before You Go

Winters in Portland are generally mild; snow and ice are relatively rare and the city tends to react conservatively to such conditions. This means that many businesses close when snow appears in the forecast.

Our round-up of Portland public safety resources will help you stay informed and safe in case of extreme weather and other incidents.

Latest News on Twitter

We’ve curated this Twitter List to gather the latest news from major Portland agencies.

General Portland Public Safety Resources

PublicAlerts

The PublicAlerts website provides real-time public safety information, including alerts and service disruptions involving roads and bridges, transit, public health, weather and more.

Administered by the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management on behalf of the region, this service aggregates information from over 60 agencies, making it an ideal one-stop resource for public safety information.

TripCheck

The Oregon Department of Transportation updates its TripCheck site with the latest traffic and road conditions. See live road cams and traffic alerts for the Portland metro area and the whole state.

This is a great site to check before heading out on a day trip, especially if you plan to traverse mountain passes.

Local News Sites

Find updates, breaking news and additional resources at these outlets:

Winter Weather Resources

Winters in Portland are generally mild; snow and ice are relatively rare and the city tends to react conservatively to such conditions. This means that many businesses close when snow appears in the forecast. (The humorous Is It Snowing in PDX? web page displays a “Commence panic!” notice when the flakes fly.)

Panic is not necessary, but you should check the news sites above and the links below before heading out or making plans on a potentially snowy or icy day in Portland.

TriMet Winter Weather Tips

TriMet, the public transportation provider for the Portland metro region, provides information about transit services during winter weather conditions. Check this page to find out how to ride the bus or MAX light rail train when it’s snowy or icy.

Portland International Airport

Inclement weather can cause flight delays and cancelations at Portland International Airport (PDX). Check the PDX arrivals and departures page for flight status updates. Follow @flypdx on Twitter for updates.

National Weather Service

Get the latest weather forecast and alerts from the National Weather Service’s Portland office.

Winter Travel Tips and Information

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) offers this list of tips and resources for driving in wintry conditions.

Getting Around Once You're Here

More transportation
two people next to an orange truck with a canoe strapped to the top

Driving in Portland

While Portland prides itself on being a city that’s easy to get around without a car, these tips will help you tour the city in four-wheeled fashion.

A light rail train passes in front of a modern, glass-encased retail store

MAX Light Rail

Portland's efficient light rail system connects the metro area and downtown core. Learn how to ride and where to go on MAX.

People entering and exiting a TriMet bus downtown

Bus Service

The TriMet bus system, which covers the city and its suburbs, offers low fares, friendly drivers and full wheelchair accessibility.