Soaking rains, flooding and road closures are creating havoc across Oregon and Washington. To keep abreast on the very latest information regarding the storm, KATU.com will provide constant updates as we receive them. So refresh often.
2:23 p.m. This is from KATU viewer Judy Cave:
We live in Rhododendron. It has been pouring non-stop all last night and all day today. We have a view of the Zig Zag River, and I can't believe how high it is and how fast it's running. I haven't braved the elements to get closer, but it appears that the river is changing course slightly and has taken out some bank and trees.
The Sandy River is behind my office here in Welches and it too is very high. Friends who live along its banks tell me that are watching land erode and trees are toppling into the river.
Lolo Pass Road above Barlow Trail Road is closed due to wash out and undercutting.
What is frightening now is the winds have picked up. I'm worried that trees will blow down because the soil is too wet to hold the roots.
2:22 p.m. The U.S. Forest Service just sent out this update on highway closures:
Highway 35 is closed from Baseline to Highway 26 junction.
Road 16 is closed due to bridge out at Middle Fork Hood River
Road 18 is closed from Zigzag to Dee to through traffic. Clackamas is allowing local traffic on the west end.
Road 1825 is closed due to washout of the bridge approach. This closes access to McNeil, Riley and Lost Creek Campgrounds and Ramona Falls Trailhead.
Forest Road 2840 is closed due to bridge out at Eliot Creek
Road 48 is closed from Road 43 to Highway 35.
Toll bridge road is closed
Road 44 is closed from Highway 35 to Forest Road 17.
Salmon River Road, Forest Road 2618, is washed out north of Green Canyon Campground.
2:20 p.m. Clackamas County just released a summary of weather-related issues they are dealing with:
South Alder Creek Lane in Canby is impassible and approximately 13 homes in the affected stretch of road are being evacuated. Officials in the Shady Dell community near Molalla are evacuating some homes and notifying residents of flood dangers. Hoodland Fire has evacuated residents from Riverside Drive on the Sandy River and others have been advised to leave and may need to be evacuated. Residents on Roberts Rd. have also been evacuated.
Lolo Pass Rd. near the intersection of Barlow Trail Rd., which washed out earlier today, continues to have one lane open to traffic. A Forest Service bridge in the Lolo Pass area has been closed about three miles northeast of the washout. County officials say the water seems to be receding in the area.
*The Lion's Club in Welches is open as a shelter for evacuees. Contact Berry Scruggs at 503-622-4111.
2:15 p.m. According to a news release from the City of Portland, The West Side Big Pipe filled to capacity on Monday and overflowed intermittently yesterday afternoon through mid-morning today. They are advising people to avoid contact with the Willamette River because of a high level of bacteria in the water.
1:43 p.m. Joe Shlick wrote in to point out the web cam in Stevenson, Washington. It takes a few seconds to load, so be patient. View the city's web cam
1:40 p.m. In Salem, a tree crashed down on a station wagon and home at 750 17th Street, N.E. It also knocked down power lines.
Also, if you haven't had a chance to check out today's photo gallery, you should because there are some good pictures of flooding from various areas, including a cell phone photo from KATU Reporter Bob Heye showing a house on the Sandy River that appears ready to be swept away. The really bad news is that there was a Lexis convertible in the driveway, but it ended up in the river. Today's photo gallery
1:18 p.m. This is from Bonnie in Redmond - We're just now starting to get some rain here in Redmond Oregon. It's been raining pretty steady for about an hour now. Maybe you all can finally dry out and we can get some much-needed moisture!
1:09 p.m. Hello... this is Shannon Cheesman taking over the Storm Alert blogging. Here's the latest right now - The Clark County Sheriff's Office says Lucia Falls Road is closed at the Heisson Bridge (N.E. 172nd Avenue). They say there is more than two and a half feet of water over the roadway and it is continuing to rise.
11:45 a.m. KATU's Jet 2 was over the Sandy River near where it meets the Columbia River.
11:10 a.m. Clackamas County officials are asking citizens to help clear storm drains.
Water Environment Services (WES), a department of Clackamas County, is asking citizens to assist in removal of leaves and other debris from around storm drains.
WES maintains more than 255 miles of storm sewers and drainage ditches, 90 stormwater detention facilities, 9000 catch basins and some 400 detention pipes in its service area.
Heavy rain may cause water to form small ponds around storm drains. The storm drain that was clean last month could be covered by debris today. Citizens including single-family homeowners, businesses, condo owners, and homeowner associations are asked to help unblock storm drains from debris to allow storm water to drain properly.
The rain could make creeks and streams overflow their banks, causing problems for residents and businesses in low-lying areas. Heavy rain could place additional burden on the storm water system, so it is important that drains are cleared and open.
10:45 a.m. A KATU viewer writes: "Dude, it’s raining like the dickens here in Silverton. Most of the streets are totally flooded. Still drivable but it should be pretty interesting driving home tonight.
9:45 a.m. The state of Oregon has extended the debris flow warning for Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, western Washington and western Yamhill counties.
The warning extends to the coast range and the western Columbia Gorge, north Oregon Cascade foothills, Clackamas and Marion counties until noon Tuesday November 7th due to existing soil conditions and expected rainfall conditions.
The warning means that intense rainfall, which may initiate debris flows, is expected until noon Tuesday November 7.
Debris flows are dangerous rapidly moving landslides. Steep slopes, canyons, gorges and the mouths of mountain streams are the locations at greatest risk. Persons that live or may travel through these locations should be alert to the possibility of debris flows during or shortly after periods of intense rainfall.
9:28 a.m. A KATU viewer says flooding has closed some roads in the Mt. Angel area including Hazel Green Road at Mallories Dairy in Silverton and Old Mt. Angel Highway at Abiqua River Bridge in Mt. Angel. 9:24 a.m.: A KATU viewer writes: "The streets surrounding Lebanon High School in Lebanon have very high water. My car could barely get through it. There are crews trying to help the situation but the storm drains are full. School is still in session. Just thought I'd pass the word to not drive in the vicinity if you don't have to."
9:08 a.m. A large mudslide on U.S. Highway 101 near
Roosevelt
Beach has closed both lanes of the coastal highway. The slide occurred about 7 a.m. Tuesday at Mile Post 174, roughly 20 miles south of Yachats. Initial reports indicate the slide is 30 wide and 30 feet deep.
Oregon Department of Transportation crews are on the scene and awaiting the arrival of an excavator to begin clearing the debris. ODOT hopes to have the highway open by late afternoon on Tuesday.
8:52 a.m. According to the Associated Press, The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Tualatin River near Dilley, affecting Washington County and the Clackamas River at Estacada, affecting Clackamas County. It is in effect until 10 p.m Tuesday. Minor flooding is forecast. Today it is expected to crest at 17.8 feet about 10 a.m.
The Clackamas River at Estacada is also in effect until tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. The Clackamas is forecast to crest around 4 p.m. Tuesday.
8:20 a.m. When will the rain let up? The latest KATU forecast indicates that rain will continue to fall most of the day Tuesday and into Wednesday as a new, cooler weather system moves into place, replacing the warm wet system currently pounding the region.
Thursday may bring the first real respite and allow rivers to recede. Wind will also continue to lash the coast, with strong inland gusts possible.
It should be about 20 degrees cooler overnight Tuesday compared to Monday night, with a forecast low of 45 degrees. As the new cooler weather system moves into place, snow should start sticking on the mountains. There is no threat of snow for the valleys from the upcoming, cooler system.
As a side note, in years past (such as 1996), early heavy rainfall periods like the one we are in now have been harbingers of very wet winters. 8:05 a.m. Here is a list of current road closures in Clark County:
Highway 99 from 117th to 121st Street to Salmon Creek (Klineline Bridge)
Rawson Road 212th to 139th
139th Street between 212th Avenue and Powell in the Hockinson area
Etna Road, one mile west of Buncombe Hollow Road
Alworth Road between Crawford and Ogden
Fourth Plain Road between 124th and 127th - water on road, one lane may be open
Lucia Falls Road between Heisson Road and Moulton Falls
NE 102nd Avenue at NE 156th Street
NE 112th Avenue at NE 156th Street
SR-503 at 99th Street
SR-503 at 159th Street
7:53 a.m. News from PGE: The number of power outages caused by the ongoing rainstorm has risen to about 700 as of 7:30 a.m. today, due primarily to an outage in Turner, south of Salem, that has about 400 customers without power at this time. The cause of that outage is not yet determined, but is likely related to rain-soaked trees and tree limbs.
7:35 a.m. Heavy rains continue to fall over Northwest Oregon with an additional 3 to 9 inches of rain expected in the next 24 hours. Forecast flooding has increased from minor to major flood severity. High tide is likely to exacerbate the flooding on several rivers.
Affected rivers include:
Naselle River near Naselle affecting Pacific and Wahkiakum counties
Willapa River near Willapa affecting Pacific County
Nestucca River near Beaver affecting Tillamook County
Siletz River at Siletz affecting Lincoln County
Trask River near Tillamook affecting Tillamook County
7:20 a.m. Here's a quick recap of the current school closures: Jewell Neah-Kah-Nie Nestucca Valley Tillamook #9
6:41 a.m. High water forces road closure: Lucia Falls Road in the northern part of Clark County will be closed at Sunset Falls Road and Heisson Road. This is due to more than 2 feet of water (which is still rising) over the roadway in the 23800 block of Lucia Falls Road.
6:28 a.m. PGE reports that only about 300 homes are still without power, down from over 8,000 on Monday. They say crews are on alert to tackle problems as daylight arrives. Customers waking up and finding they are without power are reminded to call PGE at 503-464-7777 (Portland), 503-399-7717 (Salem), or 1-800-544-1795 outside the Portland and Salem areas.
6:25 a.m. Update on the high water problem along Highway 26 west of Mt Hood: Deputy Hoodland Fire District Chief Mic Eby says both the Salmon and Sandy rivers are rising rapidly in the Rhododendron, Welches and Brightwood areas.
Two homes have been evacucated along Riverside drive in Brightwood. Other area residents are being advised of the situation. Crews are sandbaging on Salmon Street in Brightwood, and the Salmon river is rising along Roberts Road. Some additional evacuations in that area.
Chief Eby says residents who live near streams in the area should check water levels and be prepared to move to higher ground if necessary. Fire crews are working on setting up a shelter at the Lions club in Welches.
5:45 a.m. Good morning, I'm KATU Web Producer Bill Roberson. I hope you were able to keep dry overnight. Yes, it is still raining, and quite hard in some places. Flood problems are widespread. Many schools along the coast are closed. Use the links on the front page of KATU.com to get the latest updates on school closures, flooded areas, road closures, where to get free sandbags, and other weather-related information.
The latest weather forecast has been updated, so click on the weather section to watch Julia Radlick's latest forecast. I'll be updating it through the morning. As always, you can watch KATU (2) for all the latest information if you live in the signal area.
Lastly, it is election day, so if you have not yet voted, now's the time! KATU will have complete election results coverage beginning tonight at 8 p.m., and we will have up-to-the-minute results online here at KATU.com.
Refresh this page often for more updates!
11:25 p.m. KATU meteorologist Rod Hill is forecasting that the Wilson River near Tillamook could crest as high as 27 feet by 4 a.m. Tuesday, which is a record. Flood stage is at 12 feet.
As for the Willamette River, he's been watching it near Oregon City and West Linn and doesn't believe it will hit flood stage. It is expected to crest as high as 60 feet to 61 feet by Thursday. Flood stage is 64 feet. He said people will notice that the river is running high.
10:25 p.m Skamania County opened its emergency operations center Monday evening in case evacuations become necessary.
9:40 p.m. Bryan Dorr of Milwaukie tells KATU the landslide on Highway 6 occurred about 11:45 a.m. and struck a vehicle, damaging the driver's side door. He's got pictures of the landslide here: http://www.bjdorr.com/essay/06110601/index.html
9:04 p.m. An update on the Highway 35 closure between Government Camp and Hood River. ODOT says the road will remain closed until at least mid-morning tomorrow when crews can assess the road damage due to high water.
An update on the Highway 35 closure between Government Camp and Hood River. ODOT says the road will remain closed until at least mid-morning tomorrow when crews can assess the road damage due to high water.
8:58 p.m. Some more coastal school closures to tell you about. The Jewell, Neah-Kah-Nie, Nestucca Valley and Tillamook No. 9 schools will all be closed tomorrow.
8:50 p.m. Here's an update on the 100-foot tree that fell into a home in the Oak Grove area. Apparently the residents evacuated prior to the timber falling. An arborist they'd hired earlier in the day told them it wasn't safe to stay. And it was too dangerous for crews to cut it down at the time. Officials suspect high winds and heavy branches soaked with water caused the tree to topple.
8:14 p.m. Cowlitz County Schools is reporting a modified bus route schedule tomorrow morning. Bus routes 1, 2 and 4 are on lowland flood routes.
7:54 p.m. Many are sending us updates on conditions in their area. If you want to participate, e-mail us at event@katu.com
7:46 p.m. A KATU viewer in North Portland reports hazardous conditions on the west end of North Columbia Boulevard. He said the entrance to his apartment complex wasn't passable earlier this evening but is clear now. He's seen at least two feet of water in places.
7:35 p.m. The storm troubles continue tonight as the Coast Guard and local authorities are rescuing more flood victims in Tillamook. Heavy rains have caused severe flooding of the five rivers that feed Tillamook Bay, the Coast Guard said. They are urging people to find high ground and be patient. They are not evacuating the whole city but just people who are stranded in flooded buildings and homes.
7:20 p.m. Have you seen this 500-gallon propane tank? It had authorities in Tillamook County worried that it would explode after it dislodged from an RV park Monday and floated down the Wilson River while leaking. No one was injured and it eventually disappeared. See the video here: http://www.katu.com/home/video/4579786.html?video=pop&t=a
7:02 p.m. There's no school tomorrow for students in the Neah-Kah-Nie School District on the coast due to the flooding.
6:59 p.m. A Coast Guard helicopter rescued a couple and their pets from water after their home on the Washington Coast near La Push was flooded, The Associated Press reports. Apparently the chopper made more than one trip to rescue the couple's two dogs and two cats, according to the AP.
6:52 p.m. A KATU viewer reports that areas near Battle Ground Lake are flooded.
6:47 p.m. ODOT reports that Highway 35 is closed between mile posts 62 and 80 due to the river flowing on the highway.
6:45 p.m. A KATU viewer reports massive flooding on Southeast 92nd between Division and Powell. There's about two feet of water across the road, according to the viewer.
6:39 p.m. The storm has done more than just flood roads. It killed a 20-year-old Seattle man. He was being evacuated along with a group of Elk hunters when he backed his vehicle onto a riverbank that collapsed into the Cowlitz River near Packwood, The Associated Press reports. Authorities later recovered his body.
6:24 p.m. The Associated Press is reporting that an Amtrak train carrying 83 passengers hit a mudslide on the tracks near Tacoma shortly after noon Monday. Two people suffered minor injuries and were taken off the Bellingham-to-Portland train. It was delayed for about two hours while the mudslide was cleared off the tracks, the AP reports.
6:15 p.m. The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds for residents affected by the Wilson River flooding. Flood water and rain have impacted several homes and an RV park near Highway 6 and McKinster Road.
6:04 p.m. A couple of homes outside Lincoln City are at risk of going into the ocean, according to another KATU viewer. Depoe Bay fire officials are reportedly bringing in loads of rocks to try and save the homes, which are near Gleneden Beach.
5:59 p.m. A KATU viewer in Aloha reports that Butternut Creek has come up about a foot in the past 90 minutes between 180th and 185th and is about to overflow.
5:47 p.m. At right is a picture that just came in from the Tillamook County Sheriff's Office. This is Highway 101 at Highway 6, looking north.
5:36 p.m. AKATU viewer who lives on the Wilson River reports that several of the RVs have floated loose and gone down river at the flooded RV park near Tillamook. She also reports that the RV office was torn from its foundation and got caught on a tree, causing it to break apart. She adds that several families have been rescued from their homes and several vehicles have been trapped by high water.
5:25 p.m. A 100-foot-tall tree fell on a house and powerlines at 3510 S.E. Hillside Drive in the Oak Grove area, Clackamas County fire officials said. A possible broken water meter is also spewing water in the area.
5:09 p.m. To report clogged streets, call the Portland Bureau of Maintenance at (503)-823-1700.
5:05 p.m. Flooding is forcing officials to close Highway 99 at the Klineline Bridge in Clark County at 6 p.m. The bridge crosses the Salmon Creek. Highway 99 will be open to local traffic only on either side of the bridge.
4:58 p.m. The state has issued a warning for dangerous, rapidly moving landslides that may develop between now and 8 a.m. Tuesday due to intense rainfall. The warning is for Clackamas and Marion counties, the western Columbia Gorge and the North Oregon cascade foothills.
4:51 p.m. ODOT has closed Highway 6 between Timber Road and Donaldson Creek due to hazardous conditions, including slides, fallen trees and other debris. Drivers are advised to take U.S. 26 as an alternate route.
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7:20 p.m.
