Coastal Flooding Drive With Caution

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Lincoln and Tillamook Counties through Thursday night. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue. Over the past 24 hours, around 2.5 to 5 inches of rain has fallen over the north Oregon Cascades, north Oregon Coast Range and central Oregon coast. There is a flood warning for the Siletz River through Wednesday afternoon.

Minor flooding is expected along with high water on the roadway. When encountering high water it is recommended to turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive through flooded areas. The Siletz River hit flood stage at 16.5 feet Tuesday afternoon.

Heavy rainfall may result in landslides and debris flows in areas of steep terrain. Debris flows are rapidly moving, extremely destructive landslides. They can contain boulders and logs transported in a fast-moving soil and water slurry down steep hillsides and through narrow canyons. They can easily travel a mile or more. There have been road closures in Tillamook County due to slides and flooding on the roadways. It is advised to travel with caution, during heavy rain and wind events. Slow down and expect high water on the roads. For updates go to tripcheck.com.