High winds cause nearly 50 tree-related emergencies in Portland

In the last 12 hours, Portland Parks & Recreation department’s Urban Forestry division responded to 45 downed tree emergencies across the Portland area.

Beginning around 6 pm Monday night, increasingly blistering winds struck the Pacific Northwest, causing dozens of power emergencies and safety concerns.

Crews around the city are currently responding to damage made by the high winds.

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Trees blocking the roads at SW Terwilliger Boulevard and Capitol Highway, and at NE 28^th Avenue and Couch Street are being cleared.

Our @urban_forestry staff from @PDXParksandRec continue work to clear downed trees and branches at 45 sites across the Rose City. This is one of them.

To report a tree-related emergency (downed tree or large limb) call 503-823-TREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. https://t.co/WEOSLngXnj

— Portland Parks & Rec (@PDXParksandRec) September 8, 2020

Parks & Recreation‘s Public Information Officer Mark Ross said that “non-emergency tree work is being delayed until critical City services are completed.”

Emergency services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the immediate report phone number is 503-823-TREE.

“Everyone at Portland Parks & Recreation’s Urban Forestry team is committed to keeping our community and our trees healthy and safe,” said Portland City Forester Jenn Cairo in an update. “Our skilled and knowledgeable team members were on the streets all night and will continue addressing tree emergencies all day.”