Flooding causing road closures, restrictions

For Immediate Release: Monday, December 07, 2015

Flooding caused by heavy rains is resulting in road closures and restrictions throughout Washington County. Motorists are advised to use extreme caution. Those living in areas prone to flooding and landslides should be prepared to take action if conditions worsen.

For an updated list of County roads impacted by flooding, visit wc-roads.com (Link is external) or monitor our Twitter feed at @WashCoRoads(Link is external). For regional alerts, visit www.publicalerts.org(Link is external)

The National Weather Service issued a Flood Warning(Link is external) through Thursday (Dec. 10) for the Tualatin River in Washington County. A series of storms began Sunday night, followed by others expected into Thursday. Rainfall may reach 3 to 5 inches in the Tualatin Valley. As of noon Monday (Dec. 7), the Tualatin River near Dilley was approaching flood stage (Link is external).

A wind advisory is also in effect until 6 tonight (Dec. 7), with the strongest winds likely through 4 p.m. High winds can damage trees resulting in debris on roadways and power outages.

To request help or report a road hazard:

• Call 9-1-1 (life-threatening emergency).

• Call 503-629-0111 (after hours, non-emergency).

• Call 503-846-ROAD (846-7623) or email wc-roads@washingtoncountyor.gov (during business hours).

• Submit an online request for non-emergency road service at www.co.washington.or.us/roadservice.

• Call Clean Water Services(Link is external) at 503-681-3600 to report flooding in urban unincorporated areas (outside of cities).

Tips for inclement weather:

• Use caution and stay alert when traveling during stormy weather. Be prepared(Link is external) and make smart choices.

• Heavy rains reduce drivers’ visibility. When driving, turn on your lights, increase following distance, slow down, and watch for bicyclists and pedestrians. Visit ODOT's webpage for Driving in the Rain Tips(Link is external).

• If you see flooding on the road - Turn around. Don't drown(Link is external). Do not move or drive past road closure barricades.

• If you encounter a nonfunctioning traffic signal, treat the intersection as an all-way stop - the driver who stops first goes first.

• Leaf-clogged storm drains can result in localized flooding(Link is external). Clear out storm drains and culverts adjacent to your property to prevent flooding.

• If you live in a flood-prone area, visit a self-service sandbag site(Link is external).

Washington County is committed to planning, building and maintaining a great transportation system, ensuring the safety of all roadway users, and operating the county roadway system in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner.

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