Clackamas County officials have issued multiple evacuation notices due to severe flooding affecting approximately 300 residences in the area. As heavy rains inundated the region, Level 3 evacuation orders were implemented for several locations along the Clackamas River, prompting emergency responders to conduct door-to-door notifications to residents.
On Friday afternoon, the county announced that some Level 3 evacuations had been lifted, specifically for the Carver Mobile Home Ranch, located south of Highway 224, and areas along S Pioneer Crossing Road, north and south of Feldheimer Road. This decision came as water levels in the Clackamas River began to recede and conditions improved.
Shelter for those affected by the evacuations is being provided at Clackamas Community College’s Gregory Forum, where pets and service animals are welcome. County officials noted that while some residents may have been unreachable during the evacuation notifications, the overall situation remains serious. “We can’t know how many people are in each house, particularly if no one was home when the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office conducted the door knocking,” they stated.
The impact of the flooding has led to significant damage assessments, which officials say will take several days to complete. Landslides have obstructed roads, with at least one landslide affecting a home in Welches. Many residences have experienced varying degrees of inundation, and the Sandy River has shifted in several locations.
The regional flood watch extends beyond Clackamas County, affecting areas in the Coast Range and mid-Willamette Valley. In neighboring Washington, the Cowlitz River rose throughout the day, resulting in flooding in Kelso. The National Weather Service has indicated that while less rain fell on Friday, the cumulative impact of several days of rain may still pose risks. “Many rivers and streams are expected to rise, and slow-responding rivers could see increases into Saturday afternoon,” officials warned.
As conditions remain precarious, saturated ground and high river levels could persist, exacerbating any additional rainfall and prolonging flooding risks. In addition to the flooding, a landslide on eastbound I-84 has closed the right lane about four miles west of Cascade Locks, and OR-35 has also been closed due to a landslide near milepost 73.
Further complicating the situation, a sewer overflow advisory has been issued for the Willamette River downstream of the Ross Island Bridge, with overflow beginning at approximately 4:20 p.m. The Multnomah County Transportation Division has closed part of NW Kaiser Road in Portland due to high water levels, with no estimate provided for when the roadway will reopen. As the region continues to cope with the aftermath of this severe weather, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories.
