Tillamook County, OR. — The National Weather Service has extended a Flood Warning for several rivers across western Oregon, citing ongoing minor flooding and continued impacts to low-lying areas.
Rivers under warning include the Alsea River near Tidewater, affecting Benton and Lincoln counties; the Nehalem River near Foss, impacting Clatsop and Tillamook counties; the Siletz River at Siletz in Lincoln County; the Wilson River near Tillamook; and the Siuslaw River near Mapleton in Lane County.
Along the Wilson River near Tillamook, river levels have exceeded flood stage, leading to lowland and agricultural flooding downstream of the Highway 6 river gauge near milepost 6. Flooding has also been reported along nearby sloughs, including the Dougherty Slough, and in areas north of Tillamook from Wilson River Loop Road west to U.S. Highway 101. Minor flooding is occurring in parts of the north Tillamook business district along Highway 101, particularly during high tide.
As of 7:30 a.m. Friday, the Wilson River measured 13.5 feet, above its 12-foot flood stage and 10.5-foot bankfull level. The river reached a peak of 17.7 feet within the past 24 hours but is forecast to continue falling below flood stage later this afternoon. http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Emergency officials urge motorists to avoid driving through flooded roads or around barricades, reminding the public that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Residents are encouraged to follow the guidance, “Turn around, don’t drown.”
The Flood Warning remains in effect until approximately 2:16 p.m., with the next update expected later this afternoon. Additional flood safety information is available at weather.gov.
About the Author
