Portland, Oregon experienced a tragic weekend as high winds wreaked havoc across the metro area. The winter storm led to the downfall of numerous trees, resulting in two fatalities and significant property damage. In Southeast Portland, a parked RV became a victim of a falling tree, leading to the death of one individual after it ignited a fire by taking down power lines. Similarly, in Lake Oswego, a man lost his life when a tree crashed into his house, piercing through the second floor.
The destructive force of the storm was felt by many families, with some narrowly escaping tragedy. Mason and Jacqueline DePasse recounted a terrifying experience as trees crashed into their Beaverton home during a movie night with their children. The couple expressed gratitude for their neighbors’ support and the assistance they provided, allowing them to stay safe amidst the chaos.
The community of Bethany also suffered severe damage, with residents like Steve Mishler narrowly avoiding harm as trees fell perilously close to their homes. Mishler described the harrowing moment when a tree struck him, leaving him with a painful bruise. Dogwood Park, known for its lush surroundings, bore the brunt of the storm’s wrath, leaving longtime resident Bob Stinslin shocked at the extent of the destruction.
In the aftermath of the storm, affected individuals are relying on the kindness of loved ones for temporary accommodation. The road to recovery appears long, with estimates suggesting it may take up to a year for affected areas to return to normalcy. Despite the challenges ahead, community members remain resilient, coming together to support one another during this difficult time.