Storm Causes Power Outages, Flooding Causing Evacuations

Central Lincoln PUD announced they are responding to widespread outages and damage caused by 60+ mph wind gusts and saturated soil from heavy rainfall, resulting in broken crossarms and poles, downed trees, and downed power lines. Central Lincoln crews, along with mutual aid crews from Springfield Utility Board, are currently working in hazardous conditions to restore power to multiple outages across our service area, from Depoe Bay to North Bend. Additional mutual aid crews from Emerald People's Utility District are on their way to assist.

Central Lincoln PUD says they understand that power outages lasting multiple days are extremely difficult. While we do not yet have estimated restoration times, crews are working as quickly and safely as possible, and we appreciate your patience as this work continues.

Please stay safe if you are out and about. Avoid downed power lines at all times and use caution, as saturated ground and debris are creating hazardous conditions on many roads.

Lincoln County announced that flooding is happening on the Siletz River that is currently above 25.0 feet, expect major flooding, with evacuations of residences and areas along the Siletz River between mile post 2.5 and mile post 5 on State Highway 229 near Sunset Landing downstream to Coyote Rock. e river is expected to rise above flood stage this evening and crest around 24.3 feet late this evening. It will then fall below flood stage Friday morning.

• Flood stage is 16.0 feet

• http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

 If you live in the area, please take action now to prepare:

• Allow for extra driving time, check ODOT Trip Check or 511 before you go in the affected area

  • Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

    • Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.

    • Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive through flooded areas.

• Check on vulnerable neighbors, friends and family that may be affected

• Periodically check your property, stream banks, buildings for effects from the storm event

• Use sandbags to reroute water away from structures

• Stay informed:

  • Monitor National Weather Service information and updates (website or Facebook)

  • NWS Watches/Warnings for Lincoln County

  • Check current conditions page on County EM website

  • Check specific river levels on County EM Website

  • Check your Lincoln Alerts profile if you want to receive alerts specifically for the Alsea, Salmon, Siletz, Yachats, and Yaquina rivers co.lincoln.or.us/alerts

  • Those with addresses in the FEMA flood plains are pre grouped to receive flood notification messages based on their location.

According to Tripcheck.com there is hazardous debris in the roadways causing delays on highway 101 south between Newport and Florence. Travelers are asked to use caution, watch for high water on the roadways and debris from falling trees due to the windstorm.