The city of Portland's Transportation Maintenance Bureau is preparing for a storm expected to drop snow on the valley floor and create more accumulation of snow at elevations above 500 feet.

Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing in higher elevations Monday night and in lower elevations by early Tuesday morning.

City crews are monitoring the situation, applying anti-icing chemicals to major streets and hazardous areas, and preparing to send out plows and sanders if snow accumulates on streets.

Officials urged those who do not need to drive to stay home or use public transit. Visit TriMet.org

City employees advised drivers to follow these safety precautions:

• Check that your battery is fully charged.
• Carry traction devices, antifreeze, and emergency supplies, including flashlight, jumper cables, abrasive material (sand, kitty litter), shovel, warning devices (flares), blankets, and ice scraper.
• Before driving, maintain good visibility by clearing ice or snow from windows.
• When driving, reduce your speed and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction. Also avoid abrupt stops.
• Remember that bridges and overpasses are often more slippery than the roadway.
• Avoid abandoning your car alongside a roadway. Cars abandoned alongside a roadway inhibit the ability of crews to sand and plow for snow and ice conditions. Additionally, they are a hazard to other motorists. Abandoned cars may be cited and towed.
• Treat traffic signals that are not working as a four-way stop.