A group of good Samaritans began pushing cars up Southwest Broadway as they approached Southwest Jefferson. Car wheels would spin after attempting to accelerate after the traffic signal turned green. The group began with Chris Towers, from Hawaii, who said this seemed like a blizzard to him and was the coldest day in his life. With virtually no tread on his shoes, he said the key to getting leverage was stepping in the snow and not in the icy ruts.

Eventually others followed suit, including a woman who looked down from her apartment and saw the effort unfolding. At one point, the group received cups of hot coffee from Higgins restaurant. One of the Samaritans said drivers wanted to pay them for the service, but they were out just to help people in need.

Good Samaritans help stranded drivers on SW Broadway in downtown Portland 14 Gallery: Good Samaritans help stranded drivers on SW Broadway in downtown Portland

-- Mike Zacchino and Dave Killen