Portland, Oregon – A devastating winter storm wreaked havoc across the Portland metro area, leading to the tragic deaths of two individuals and causing extensive damage to numerous homes due to fallen trees. The storm’s high winds proved to be particularly destructive, with one person losing their life in Southeast Portland as a tree collapsed onto a parked RV, sparking a fire. In a separate incident, a man in Lake Oswego tragically passed away when a tree crashed through his house, demolishing the second floor.
Families in the affected neighborhoods found themselves in precarious situations, with some narrowly escaping dire consequences. Mason and Jacqueline DePasse, while enjoying a movie night with their children, narrowly avoided catastrophe as trees crashed into their Beaverton home. The couple recounted the terrifying ordeal, emphasizing their gratitude for their quick-thinking neighbors and their generous support in the aftermath of the storm.
Despite many families escaping unscathed, others were not as fortunate. In Bethany, Steve Mishler narrowly dodged a falling tree that left him with a painful injury, highlighting the unpredictability and danger of the storm’s impact. The tight-knit community of Dogwood Park in Bethany faced utter devastation, with one resident, Bob Stinslin, expressing shock at the extensive damage caused by the relentless onslaught of falling trees.
In the wake of the storm, the affected individuals are turning to their loved ones for support and shelter, knowing that the road to recovery will be a long and arduous one. Many are anticipating months of rebuilding and renovations before their neighborhoods can begin to resemble their former selves. With power restoration efforts lagging behind, residents like Mason and Jacqueline DePasse are bracing themselves for an extended period of uncertainty, relying on their community for strength and solidarity as they navigate the challenges ahead.