Threat of landslides looms as storms subside
PORTLAND, Ore. - The National Weather Service has highlighted the potential for landslides as part of flooding for the Coast Range of northwest Oregon, the lower Columbia Basin, the north Oregon Coast and the North Oregon Cascades.
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Important Note Debris flows are dangerous, rapidly moving landslides. Steep slopes, canyons, gorges and the mouths of mountain streams pose the greatest risk. Care should be taken when traveling over the mountains during this time. |
In Western Oregon and Washington this includes:
- Astoria
- Cannon Beach
- Tillamook
- Vernonia
- Jewell
- Kelso
- Castle Rock
- Trask
- Clatskanaie
- Ryderwood
- Raymond
- Long Beach
- Cathlamet
- Longview
In the north Cascades areas of concern include the recent Gnarl Ridge burn area on Mount Hood.
Wednesday evening a mudslide had already closed Oregon 6, the Wilson River Highway, at milepost 15. Crews were expecting to work through the night to try to get at least one lane of traffic opened by morning.
The warning comes after a wet and stormy Wednesday that dumped rainfall across the Northwest, causing flooding in both Oregon and Washington.
In Oregon, Highway 101 near Seaside was closed due to high water and seven people, including two infants, had to be rescued after at least two vehicles were swept away when a bridge washed out near Tillamook.
Some areas of Portland had high water as well and motorists were being advised to use caution.
Western Washington was hit hard as floodwaters rose along several rivers.