The Pacific Northwest is grappling with severe weather. Heavy rainfall has saturated Oregon and Southwest Washington. This has triggered widespread flooding. Many areas are under flood watches. Road closures are impacting travel. evacuations are underway in some communities. The situation is critical.
Atmospheric River Unleashes Torrential Rain
An atmospheric river is drenching the region. It began impacting the area on Thursday. Intense rainfall has caused rivers to swell rapidly. Southeast of Portland, areas near the Clackamas River saw three to four inches of rain in just 24 hours. This led to significant river rises. Saturated ground conditions are exacerbating the problem. Forecasters warn that many rivers and streams are still expected to rise. Slow-responding rivers may continue to rise into Saturday.
Fatalities and Evacuations Amidst Flooding
The severe weather has had tragic consequences. In Yamhill County, Oregon, a man died. He attempted to drive through a barricaded road. The fast-moving water swept him away. This incident highlights the extreme danger of flooded roadways. Clackamas County has seen extensive flooding. Level 2 evacuation notices were issued. These alerts were for areas along the Clackamas River. Approximately 300 homes were under evacuation notices on Friday morning. Many residents were forced to flee. Evacuation shelters have been opened. Clackamas Community College is providing shelter. It welcomes pets and service animals. Some evacuation notices were lifted later on Friday. However, other warnings remained in effect for specific areas.
Major Roadways Disrupted by Flooding and Landslides
Transportation networks are severely impacted. Major highways are facing closures. U.S. 101 and Oregon 6 experienced significant disruptions. Landslides and sunken grades caused these closures. Highway 6 west of Glenwood is closed indefinitely. This closure is due to a landslide and sunken roadway. It disrupts travel between Portland and the Oregon Coast. Drivers must seek alternate routes. U.S. 20 and Oregon Highway 126 also faced closures. These have since reopened. However, other routes remain affected. The Historic Columbia River Highway is also closed. Landslides have impacted sections of this scenic route. Drivers are urged to check TripCheck.com. This website provides real-time traffic information.
Rivers Swell to Dangerous Levels
Key waterways are experiencing dangerous rises. The Cowlitz River in Washington is flooding. Kelso has been directly impacted by this flooding. The Cowlitz River at Kelso approached record flood levels. Minor flooding is occurring and forecast to continue. This impacts residential areas and low-lying roads. In Oregon, the Clackamas River is a major concern. It swelled to dangerous levels. Areas near Estacada were expected to reach major flood stage. Residents were warned to stay away from parks along the river. The Sandy River also saw rising water. Flood warnings were issued for these areas. The Willamette River in Portland also carried debris. It is expected to remain high.
Winter Weather Adds to Challenges
The heavy precipitation is not limited to rain. At higher elevations, winter weather warnings are in effect. Cascade mountain passes could see up to a foot of snow. This creates hazardous conditions for travelers. The combination of rain and snow poses a significant challenge.
Official Response and Safety Advisories
Emergency management agencies are actively responding. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management activated its State Emergency Coordination Center. This allows for rapid support to affected communities. Southwest Washington is also under a flood watch. This watch is in effect until Saturday afternoon. The National Weather Service (NWS) is issuing alerts. They advise residents to monitor forecasts. They urge preparedness for potential Flood Warnings. Safety is paramount. Officials stress the “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” message. Driving through flooded roads is extremely dangerous. Six inches of moving water can sweep a person away. Twelve inches can carry away a car. Residents in flood-prone areas should seek higher ground. They should follow evacuation orders immediately.
Looking Ahead
While some rain has lessened, the impact lingers. High river levels are expected to persist. Saturated ground increases landslide risks. The region continues to monitor the situation closely. Further updates will be provided as conditions evolve. This event underscores the power of severe weather. It highlights the importance of preparedness and vigilance.
