Residents urged to take precautions as potential flooding, strong wind grips region

OREGON CITY, Or. -- The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for several areas throughout Clackamas County, prompting residents to take precautions for potential flooding in the coming days.

Clackamas County’s Emergency Operations Center was activated Wednesday, and officials have been working with cities to monitor river gauges and low-lying areas until further notice. Based on current weather forecasts, local residents may experience local flooding in their area. People should monitor local weather updates and be aware of any local fast-rising creeks or streams.

Officials say the timeframe for the potential flooding is Dec. 18-20, with the heaviest rain expected from 4 a.m. Thursday to 4 a.m. Friday. A wind advisory has also been issued from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, as the local community may see downed trees and power outages due to a combination of winds and saturated soil. Residents should secure
outdoor items that could blow away.

“After last week’s floods, the ground is really saturated with water, making it more likely that trees may fall and power lines may come down,” said Clackamas County Disaster Management Director Daniel Nibouar. “It’s more important than ever to monitor local weather updates and be aware of any fast-rising creeks or streams in your area. We’re also asking the public not to call 9-1-1 unless there is an immediate threat to life or safety.”

Sandbags, safety information and driving tips have been made available at flooding preparedness. Clackamas County wants to remind everyone of the following safety tips for floods:

• Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Water can be deeper than it appears and only 12 inches of moving water can carry away a small vehicle.
• Report clogged drains, street flooding, or other hazards to your local public works or non-emergency dispatch line.
• Clear leaves and debris from gutters, storm drains, and downspouts to help water flow away from your home.
• Review your household emergency plan and make sure essential items—such as medications, warm clothing, and flashlights—are easy to access.
• Before driving use, use TripCheck for the latest updates on road conditions and closures. Avoid walking through flooded areas as floodwaters may be contaminated with oil, gas, or raw sewage. Water may also be hiding hazards and debris.

Contact: Scott Anderson, Clackamas County Public Information Officer
Phone: 503-742-4374
Email: pio@clackamas.us