County buildings closed today; services, including court proceedings, continue online

February 12, 2021

Warming shelters open, downtown pharmacy open for limited hours, libraries closed through weekend

Most county buildings will remain closed today, Friday, Feb. 12 , after a winter storm coated the region in ice and snow, and a second larger storm is expected Friday evening. 

The National Weather Service projects a slight lull in precipitation mid-day before a second storm moves in late Friday afternoon bringing an expected three- to-six inches of snow overnight. The highest accumulation is forecast for elevations above 500 feet and in the West Hills.

Most County facilities will be closed for the day, with very limited exceptions.

The Friday night syringe exchange and naloxone distribution on SE 82nd and Ash will be closed. Outside In syringe services will be open downtown from 1 to 5.p.m. For the most up-to-date information, call 503-280-1611.

Services that will be open

The Westside Pharmacy and HIV Health services will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Services closed to in-person but available online

Libraries: Closed for all hold pickups through the weekend. Phone and online services remain unchanged.

Courthouse: The Multnomah County Circuit Court will be closed for in-person services, with all scheduled court proceedings moving online.

Heath Centers will close to in-person services. Virtual appointments and telehealth visits will continue as planned.

Warming shelters

The Joint Office of Homeless Services operates shelters year-round for people experiencing homeless. Beyond those year-round and seasonal beds, partners open additional warming shelters and mobilize additional outreach workers and gear distribution when severe weather hits.

The Joint Office of Homeless Services and County Emergency Management’s severe weather shelters are open with capacity:

  • Metro Garage, 578 N.E. Irving St.

  • Oregon Convention Center, 965 N.E. 1st Ave.

  • Arbor Lodge Severe Weather Shelter, 1952 N. Lombard Ave.

There will also be a warming site at the Sunrise Center at 18901 E Burnside St, Gresham open from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., with transportation assistance to the severe weather shelters.

Stay informed

National Weather Service: Check weather warnings in the Portland Metro area

Public Alerts: Sign up to get alerts and safety concerns in your area public alerts

Tri-Met Alerts: Check for winter weather advisories

Oregon Roads: Oregon Department of Transportation TripCheck site updates road conditions and streams live roadside video.