Heavy Rain Expected in Salem During Flood Watch

• Rainfall of 2-3 inches could fall over 24 hours
• At times, rain could fall at a rate of ¼ inch per hour
• Watch hww.onerain.com for current conditions
  

Heavy rain and winds are expected in Salem and the surrounding areas Dec. 18-20. The heaviest rain is expected between 4 a.m. Dec. 18 and 4 a.m. Dec. 19. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Northwest Oregon, including the Mid-Willamette Valley, beginning late evening Dec. 17 through late evening Dec. 19.

The National Weather Service has described this system as a high-impact, strong atmospheric river event with significant rain and wind.

We are continuing to monitor the situation and have three sandbag locations in central, south and west Salem locations. Please visit the City's Sandbag Map for up-to-date information on sandbag locations.

The Willamette River could rise to 22 feet overnight Dec. 19-20, prompting preparations for potential flooding in City parks along the Willamette River. Those who use Minto-Brown Island Park and Wallace Marine Park should be cautious of flooding.

Salem's large creeks and urban streams - Mill Creek, Mill Race, Shelton Ditch and Lower Pringle Creek below Winter Street Bridge - are also forecast to rise quickly through Dec. 18 and into Dec. 19, with the highest flows for Salem's smaller streams cresting overnight Dec. 18 into Dec. 19.

For Mill Creek, the crest is expected early Dec. 19 south of Cascade Gateway Park, and midday for areas north of Cascade Gateway Park, including Shelton Ditch. In addition, forecasted rainfall rates are high enough to potentially cause issues throughout the storm drainage system, causing excess high water and flooded roadways.

Our High Water Watch webpage hww.onerain.com features up-to-the-hour information on Salem stream levels and local rainfall amounts. Sandbag filling stations are available at several locations. Salem residents are encouraged to visit Salem's Emergency and Disaster Preparedness webpage to see up-to-date information about stream levels, current road conditions, and additional high water safety tips to protect your home.

Contact the Public Works Dispatch Center any time at 503-588-6311 to report high water or other weather-related concerns. Sign up for Community Alerts to receive emergency notifications.