Flooding possible: Monitor forecasts, be prepared, travel with caution

For Immediate Release: Sunday, January 15, 2017

Flooding is possible Tuesday through Thursday (Jan. 17-19) throughout most of NW Oregon, including Washington County, according to a flood watch (Link is external) issued by the National Weather Service (Link is external).

A flood watch means there is potential for flooding based on the current forecast, which calls for warmer temperatures generating rapid snow melt, coupled by heavy rains. Those who live and travel in the NW Oregon area advised to monitor forecasts and to be alert for possible flood warnings.

Flooding can result 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. Should flooding occur, a map and list of roads impacted will be posted wc-roads.com (Link is external). Information will also be available on Twitter at @WashCoRoads(Link is external). For regional alerts, visit www.publicalerts.org(Link is external)

Tips for inclement weather:

• Clear ice, snow and debris from storm drain grates.
• Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear.
• Move snow and ice away from your home's foundation.
• If sandbags are needed, visit a self-serve sandbag station (Link is external).
• 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).
• Respect road closure signs. Roads are closed for safety reasons. It is illegal for motorists, pedestrians or bicyclists to move or travel around road-closure barricades. To report someone moving or traveling around a barricade, call the Washington County Sheriff's Office nonemergency dispatch at 503-629-0111.

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.
• Call Clean Water Services(Link is external) at 503-547-8100 to report flooding in urban unincorporated areas (outside of cities).

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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