That's what they just said on the news for my area. "Arctic Blast 08" is what channel 8 is calling it. "Deep Freeze" says channel 6.
Portland, Oregon is bizarre for weather. Right now we are a week into a bad winter storm. Tonight it's supposed to stop snowing and then the freezing rain will set in. If you live closer to the Willamette river, you might not get any snow. Where I live, a hundred blocks out - it's VERY windy at almost 50 mph winds. I had to shut the curtains so I wouldn't keep watching and thinking the big window was going to blow in. If you are anywhere in the Columbia Gorge - you're really screwed. 8 foot drifts and they've just closed down Interstate 84.
I feel bad for making him go out, but I asked the Mr. check our oil level in the outdoor tank. The valve is outdoors underneath a Yuban coffee can. Last year we ran out during another storm while the family was visiting for the first time. Because we ran out, when the oil truck came to add more oil, the debris in the tank got through the filter, broke it and we had no heat for week. With the temp at about 15 degrees, I didn't want a repeat experience.
It's been 12 years since I've been in Portland and I've never seen a storm like this. Roads are closed down. Trains are stuck. All flights cancelled. We've had it bad before, but not for this long. I think we may be like this for ten days total. Pretty unusual for the Pacific Northwest.
How lovely and blessed to be indoors and warm. Made an apple custard pie and homemade apple chutney.
To warm up, here's a recipe with Booze!
Mulled Cider
2 oz. spiced Rum
1 cup Apple Cider or Juice
1 tsp. Honey
2 Cloves
1/8 tsp. Allspice
1 Cinnamon Stick
Combine ingredients in a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally, don't let it get to hot. Once the mixture is thoroughly heated, strain into a mug. Garnish with a lemon twist. Yum!