Key Takeaways
- Heavy rainfall has caused the Clackamas River and other waterways to flood areas southeast of Portland, with thousands under evacuation notice in Clackamas County.
- A flood warning remains in effect for large swaths of Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington, with rising waters causing lane closures on major highways and winter weather warnings in effect on Cascade Mountain passes.
- The National Weather Service advises travelers to check traffic cameras and weather updates before hitting the road for holiday travel, with evacuation notices in effect for areas along the Clackamas River and advisories in place for the Coast Range, mid-Willamette Valley, and beyond.
Introduction to the Floods
The Clackamas River has overflowed its banks, causing widespread flooding in areas southeast of Portland, Oregon. The heavy rainfall has forced the evacuation of thousands of people in Clackamas County, with many more on standby for potential evacuation. The floodwaters have risen to alarming levels, with homes in the Carver Mobile Home Ranch park partially underwater. The situation is dire, with residents struggling to keep themselves and their belongings safe.
Current Weather Conditions
The National Weather Service has reported that the Clackamas River has seen three to four inches of rain in the last 24 hours, with some areas experiencing even higher amounts. This has led to a rapid rise in the river’s water level, causing the flooding. Meteorologist Sebastian Westerink noted that the heavy rainfall is contributing to the flooding, and the situation is being closely monitored. The weather service has issued a flood warning for the region, which is expected to remain in effect until Saturday afternoon.
Impact on Local Residents
The flooding has had a significant impact on local residents, with many forced to evacuate their homes. Curtis Gillette, a 63-year-old resident of the Damascus area, has lived in the area his whole life and has never seen the river rise to such levels. He expressed his concern for the people affected by the flooding, stating that they are in dire need of assistance to keep themselves and their belongings safe. Gillette planned to check on a friend who lives in a nearby area, but was concerned about the safety of the roads and the potential for further flooding.
Travel Disruptions
The flooding has also caused disruptions to travel in the region, with rising waters causing lane closures on major highways such as U.S. 101 and Oregon 6. The National Weather Service has advised travelers to check traffic cameras and weather updates before hitting the road for holiday travel. Winter weather warnings are also in effect on Cascade Mountain passes, with up to a foot of snow expected in some areas. The combination of flood warnings and snow advisories has made travel in the region hazardous, and residents are advised to exercise caution.
Ongoing Flooding Concerns
The National Weather Service has noted that the flood watch is in effect until Saturday afternoon, with less rain expected on Friday but the cumulative impact of days of rain still posing ongoing issues. Many rivers and streams are still expected to rise on Friday morning, and saturated ground and high rivers could stick around for a while. Forecasters have warned that any additional rain will slow the receding of the water and continue the potential for flooding. The Cowlitz River near Kelso, Washington, is still rising, and residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow evacuation notices and advisories.
Power Outages and Evacuation Notices
As of Friday morning, several thousand people were experiencing power outages in the region, with Portland General Electric reporting over 6,000 customers affected and Pacific Power reporting over 3,000 outages. The evacuation notices are in effect for areas along the Clackamas River, with the closer-in and low-lying areas from Interstate 205 on the river out to Milo McIver State Park classified as Level 2, meaning residents should be set to evacuate if needed. The regional flood watch is wide-ranging, with advisories in place for the Coast Range, mid-Willamette Valley, and beyond. Residents are advised to stay informed and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure their safety.