Due to a series of atmospheric rivers, coastal rivers have a 40-60% chance of reaching minor flood stage and 10-30% chance of reaching major flood stage this weekend into early next week. Multiple fronts will produce Gale Force wind gusts with hazardous seas across the waters into early next week with sneaker wave warnings, according to the National Weather Service Portland.
“In flood prone areas, we encourage people to prepare for action. Given the rainfall amounts expected this weekend, river levels will rise quickly. We are monitoring the forecast and will issue advisories as needed,” said Clatsop County Emergency Management Department Director Justin Gibbs.
Preparing for action may mean different things depending upon an area’s risk of flooding. It could include cleaning gutters and storm drains, putting out sandbags or shutting off electricity at the breaker panel to electrical outlets, devices or structures in flood-prone areas.