Winter Weather Reminders

Road crews are mopping up after this week's winter storm. By this afternoon, high water had receded from most county roads. Fern Hill Road remains closed due to high water. Crews will continue to check high water and respond to emergencies over the weekend.

Original release date: 01/19/2012

The National Weather Service in Portland has issued an urban and small stream Flood Advisory for portions of Washington County and a and a Flood Watch for rivers and creeks in northwest Oregon. Many area streams are rising quickly and are expected to continue to rise with continued rainfall.

If you live in a low-lying area and need to provide high water protection for your home, please see this list of sandbag sites in Washington County.

Heavy rain also brings driving problems – isolated street flooding, limited visibility, reduced tire traction and less predictable car handling. Driving too fast in wet conditions can mean losing control of your car, and water can cause loss of function to your vehicle’s brakes and power steering. Slow down and increase following distance on wet roads.

Motorists are advised not to move or drive around barricades. Never drive your vehicle into areas where water covers the roadway. Even a foot of flowing water is powerful enough to sweep vehicles off the road. When encountering flooded roads, make the smart choice: turn around ... don't drown.

If a traffic signal is not functioning, treat the intersection as an all-way stop. The driver who stops first goes first.

Crews will repair weather-related damage as soon as possible. But in the meantime, motorists are advised to slow down and watch out for unexpected storm-related conditions.

To request help or report a road hazard:

• Life-threatening - emergency response - call 9-1-1
• Report a road hazard - after hours - non-emergency response - 503-629-0111
• Report a road hazard - during business hours - 503-846-ROAD (846-7623) or [email protected]
• Request road service (click here if using a mobile device)
• The appropriate city for flooding in city neighborhoods and on county roads within cities.
• Clean Water Services at 503-681-3600 for flooding in urban unincorporated areas.

Road condition information including emergency traffic advisories will be posted on Washington County Roads. You can also follow us on Twitter for the latest road information.

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