This is definitely the coldest weather I've seen in the 7 or 8 years I have been out here. Reported some freezing rain that we had in the over night has stopped and we will probable see some periods of additional freezing rain through the day.
Ot is supposed to tgaw out starting mid day on Saturdsy

I have New England roots.so the winter weather here is mild in comparison. Hiwever the don't have the infrastructure or experience to treat the roads do driving can be treacherous. I shopped the other day and am staying put.

The weather in tje Gorge can be severe. I just had the news on and they were reporting 70mpg wind gusts.. I have driven out there and experienced strong winds even in the non winter months. Rte 84 parallels the Columbia River (it is beautiful drive) and you can get strong cross winds on the higheay that make you have to keep both hands on the wheel. Wind surfing on the Columbia River in that area us very popular in the summer. I'm tempted to try it but I'm getting a little long in the tooth.
I drove out the go hiking Mutinomah Falls one Sunday and hit the steady criss winds on 84 and got on the Scenic Columbis River highway in Corbett and stopped at tje Vista House. The winds were so strong st that attitude that you had to hold onto your car doors when opening them or I swear tge wind would rip them off. Too windy to hike safely or stick around for fear of getting hitting by falling debtis.

https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=108