Heavy rain sets off flooding in parts of Portland metro area

A steady downpour throughout the day caused roadside flooding in a couple spots in the Portland metro area, creating headaches for motorists.

PORTLAND, Ore. — UPDATE

The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory at 10:28 p.m. for the next two hours for all the Portland metro counties until 12:30 a.m. They are asking the public to avoid flooded roads and to be cautious and aware while driving at night.

All, we have been getting reports about flooding in urban areas. As a result we have issued a Flood Advisory (Urban & Small Stream) for the next few hours. If you come across a flooded road: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. https://t.co/Z48KHP8bdt

— NWS Portland (@NWSPortland) December 27, 2022

Sustained heavy rain Monday washed away the last of the slush left over from Portland’s recent ice storm, but it also pooled into roadside floods in a couple spots in the metro area, creating new headaches for drivers.

Other parts of northwest Oregon had their own weather issues to contend with Monday, including a winter storm warning still in effect for the Gorge, a high wave warning at the coast and another smaller but persistent round of flight cancellations at Portland International Airport due to severe winter weather elsewhere.

In Portland, a large puddle formed along the side of a stretch of Highway 30 near the Sauvie Island exit early in the afternoon. Partially submerging the eastbound lanes and causing at least one driver to spin out as they plunged through. The flooding persisted into the evening, creating an ongoing hazard for drivers.

Hwy 30 Eastbound in West Multnomah County is quickly becoming dangerous for drivers near NW Harborton Drive. High water completely covers both EB lanes. @KGWNews #pdxtraffic pic.twitter.com/ZXe1F0aeyV

— Eric Patterson (@KGWphotog) December 26, 2022

Localized roadside flooding also caused traffic problems along Interstate 5 to the north of Vancouver Monday afternoon. Prompting the Washington State Department of Transportation to temporarily close multiple onramps in the evening due to standing water blocking the road.

A strong storm is moving into the region, according to KGW meteorologist Joe Raineri, so the heavy rain and other severe weather will continue on Tuesday.

The Portland area is expected to see between 1.5 and 2 inches of total rainfall in the 48-hour period from Sunday afternoon to Tuesday afternoon, according to a tweet from the National Weather Service, with even higher totals expected in most of the surrounding areas.

2/3 The rain continues this week with the 48 hour total from this afternoon through Tuesday afternoon below. Expect rises on area streams and rivers although at this point everything looks to be below flood stage. #ORwx #WAwx pic.twitter.com/4rtSuFnypR

— NWS Portland (@NWSPortland) December 25, 2022

Coastal storm

At the coast, the National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning through the end of the day Tuesday, with breaker waves expected to reach 20 feet Monday afternoon and 25 feet Monday night and on Tuesday. 

There will also be strong winds at the coast Tuesday, with gusts of up to 60 miles per hour. Prompting Pacific Power to issue a news release Monday, warning customers in coastal counties of possible power outages. The utility said it was already staging personnel and equipment to respond as outages occur.

“The winds that are headed our way have the potential to cause damage to trees already weakened by the previous storm,” Vice President of Operations Allen Berreth said in a statement.

Flooding during high tides will be possible along the immediate coast and in low-lying areas near bays, sloughs and coastal rivers, the National Weather Service warned. The destructive waves may wash over beaches unexpectedly, creating a risk of people being swept off of rocks and jetties.

Source link

from Salem – Salem Local News https://bit.ly/3ImzOwz
via IFTTT