Heavy rain, high winds expected as big new storm moves into NW
PORTLAND, Ore. – A very wet and windy weather system is lined up over the Pacific Ocean and has taken direct aim at the Northwest, which could cause flooding on some rivers, KATU Storm Tracker meteorologists are warning.
KATU Meteorologist Dave Salesky predicts the heaviest rain will move to the north of the Portland metro area Tuesday; however, he still expects two inches of rain in the next 36 hours. The north coast is forecasted to get four inches of rain.
The National Weather Service has posted a high wind warning for mutliple areas starting Tuesday morning.
Winds on the coast are expected to peak at 70 mph and they could reach 40 mph in Portland.
The Portland Bureau of Transportation is also warning travelers, residents and businesses to about possible flooding, landslides, downed trees, limbs and power lines.
City crews have stocked sand pile and sand bag locations for any Portland resident or business owner who wants to protect their property from flood damage. Sand and sand bags are provided at no charge, but you're asked to bring your own shovel.
The following locations are stocked:
• SE 88th Ave just south of Holgate Blvd in the parking lot at Lents Park,
• SE 111th Ave and Harold Street at the southeast corner of the intersection, and
• SW 42nd Ave and Vermont Street in the lower parking lot of Gabriel Park.
Heavy rain is expected Tuesday into Wednesday, when rainfall totals in Willamette Valley locations could reach as much as 3 inches.
The Oregon Coast and the Coast Range mountains could see up to 10 inches of rain, raising flooding concerns on the Wilson and Trask rivers along with smaller creeks and tributaries coming out of the Coast Range.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department issued a pre-holiday season safety alert for coast visitors Monday. Beach Safety Education Coordinator Robert Smith said beachgoers should watch for sneaker waves and debris.
In Portland, local officials will be keeping an eye on notorious Johnson Creek as the heavy rain comes down, although Salesky said early indications show the creek should stay below its banks. Fanno Creek and Dairy Creek have also been trouble spots in the past.
Saturated soil combined with high winds could bring down trees in many areas. Some trees were
already reported down in the Portland area Monday morning. One car was damaged in Northeast Portland when a large limb tore away from a tree as the wet stormfront moved through.
Citizens are advised to notify the city of debris, mud, rocks, trees, or branches blocking a road or sidewalk by calling 503-823-1700. Report a downed power line in the Portland area to PGE at 503-464-777. Do not try to free lines or to remove tree limbs from lines by yourself.
Ski resort operators are hoping the warm weather front bringing the rain doesn’t push the freezing level too high. If it stays cold, ski resorts could see several feet of new snow just as the busy Thanksgiving break arrives. | Ski reports
If the freezing level rises too much, recent early-season snow could melt away as rain pounds the Cascade mountains.
Portland city officials have asked local residents to check street drainage area for obstructions and to clear away leaves and other debris to cut down on standing water on Portland streets.
Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) officials released a list of trouble spots that typically fill with standing water during big rain events. The list includes:
NE Halsey has some low spots east of 57th Ave
NE Marine Drive at Kelly Point Park
NE Sandy Blvd east of 37th Ave
SE 33rd at Powell
SE 82nd at Foster
SE 122nd at Division
SE Milwaukie at Holgate
SW Market at Harbor Drive
Southbound I-5 ramp at the Convention Center
Southbound I-5 ramp at Harbor Drive
The KATU Storm Tracker team will continue to monitor the developing storm system and updates can always be found on the KATU Weather Page and our mobile apps for iPads, iPhones and Android phones.
Watch the latest Forecast as of 11 p.m. below: