ALERT: Travelers urged to be alert for frost and black ice tonight 

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – The National Weather Service is predicting a 20 percent chance of showers before 11 p.m. this evening, patchy freezing fog after 11 p.m. tonight, and a low around 30 degrees. The traveling public is advised to be alert for frost and black ice on roadways, bridges and sidewalks tonight and early Tuesday morning. In conditions with fog and frost, everyone should be cautious, slow down, allow extra distance to brake and stop safely, use headlights and share the road responsibly. 

Black ice is treacherous because it is hard to see. It forms when roads are wet and temperatures drop to freezing. Even though the roads look like they are just wet, they can be slick. The traveling public is advised to be especially careful on bridges, overpasses, tunnels, roads that wind around rivers and shady spots. These areas freeze first and thaw last. 

Transportation crews are monitoring conditions and continuing routine operations today to keep streets safe and clean. Last night crews applied anti-icing chemical on bridges, overpasses and known trouble spots to help prevent ice from forming. As long as rain is in the forecast today, crews will not apply anti-icing chemical because the rain will just wash it away. When conditions are dry enough later tonight, crews may apply more anti-icing chemical. 

Residents are advised to familiarize themselves with www.PublicAlerts.org for current weather, street closures and highway road conditions. The public can report hazards on Portland city streets to 503-823-1700.