Storm Updates

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for Lincoln County in effect until 11:45 pm tonight. The high winds are expected to continue until 10pm tonight. Urban area and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected, throughout Lincoln and Tillamook Counties. Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Low-water crossings are inundated with water and may not be passable.

At 5:54 PM PST, Doppler radar aor expected to begin shnd automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain. Flooding is ongoing. Between 1 and 4 inches of rain have fallen.

Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 4 inches are possible in the warned area. Community members are encouraged to limit non-essential travel. Allow for extra time if you do have to drive. If you encounter high water turn around. Do not attempt to drive around barricades or drive through flooded areas. Stay away or be swept away. River banks and culverts can become unstable and unsafe.

Power outages have been reported throughout Lincoln County including Lincoln City, Gleneden Beach, Depoe Bay and Otter Rock. As the storm continues residents should be sure to have an emergency kit with flashlights, and a way to maintain a safe body temperature if you have lost heat. The strong winds are expected to continue until around 10pm and have caused down trees and debris on the roadways and there are reports of high water on highway 101, highway 18 and highway 20.

The road is closed on highway 229 due to the landslide and at milepost 10 there is a sunken grade making driving difficult. Highway 34 is closed at mp 33, 7 miles east of Alsea due a tree down across the road. Highway 18 is closedat milepost 1 due to high water. Highway 101 is closed from highway 6 north to Fred Myer in Tillamook due to high water. Strong Winds and heavy rain can make driving difficult, especially for at night with low visibility. There is also concern of more landslides with the heavy rain and wind. Drivers should use use extra caution. Lincoln County School District announced that all schools will be on a two hour delay for tomorrow December 19th. They will provide updates on possible school closures tomorrow morning by 7am.