science environment

Flooding Rivers In Oregon And Southwest Washington Have Crested, Forecasters Say

By Amelia Templeton (OPB)
Nov. 25, 2016 7:10 p.m.
The water level in Portland's Johnson Creek surged but remained below flood stage after a series of rainstorms this week. Some coastal rivers hit flood stage late Thursday.

The water level in Portland's Johnson Creek surged but remained below flood stage after a series of rainstorms this week. Some coastal rivers hit flood stage late Thursday.

Amelia Templeton

A series of fronts dropped heavy rain across Southwest Washington, Oregon and the Willamette Valley.

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Several coastal rivers have

reached flood stage

, including the Chehalis River in Washington and the Marys River in Oregon. Roads have flooded in parts of Yamhill County and Washington County.

People should avoid driving or biking through standing water, said Matthew Cullen, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

"You know, if you approach a roadway that's flooded do not attempt to cross it. It really does not take that much water to make you lose control of your vehicle, and you can't be sure how deep the water actually is." 

Cullen says most rivers in the area have crested and are beginning to drop.

The Oregon Department of Transportation says it is working to clear storm drains and keep water of the roadways.

Forecasters expect another round of rain starting Friday evening, but say it will be less heavy and is not likely to cause more flooding.   


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