A flood advisory warning of potential stream flooding in Salem has been extended through Thursday, with the expectation of several inches of rain in the next few days.
The advisory from the National Weather Service lasts until 1 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, and covers most of northwest Oregon and southwest Washington.
“Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected,” according to the advisory, especially in low-lying areas and places with poor drainage.
Between 2.25 and 4 inches of rain are expected this week.
“It’s one of those things where we could get missed, or it could linger on us and we get nailed. We don’t know,” said Trevor Smith, public works spokesman for the city of Salem.
Visitors to Minto-Brown Island Park and Wallace Marine Park should use caution, the city said in a Monday afternoon press release, with the Willamette River predicted to potentially rise to nearly 19.3 feet bringing minor flooding. At 20 feet access roads to islands on the Willamette River near Salem would begin to flood, according to the weather service.
The weather service warns drivers to not drive on flooded roads and to be especially cautious at night.
SANDBAGS: Available at city of Salem shops at Southeast 22nd Oxford Streets, the park-and-ride at 1439 Brush College Rd. N.W., off of Wallace Road, and at Woodmansee Park, 4629 Sunnyside Rd. S.E.
STREAM GAUGES: City of Salem online map for tracking water levels.
REPORTING HIGH WATER: Call the Salem Public Works Department anytime at 503-588-6311 to report high water, blocked drains or other such issues.
FORECAST: National Weather Service
Contact reporter Abbey McDonald: [email protected] or 503-704-0355.
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Abbey McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022. She previously worked as the business reporter at The Astorian, where she covered labor issues, health care and social services. A University of Oregon grad, she has also reported for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.
