High Water on County Roads

For Immediate Release: Friday, March 30, 2012

We are experiencing high water on some county roads today, which may continue into the weekend. Keep up with the latest list of roads affected by visiting our county road website at www.wc-roads.com. 

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the Tualatin River near Dilley in Washington County.  Periods of heavy rain have caused the Tualatin River to rise over the past several hours and more heavy rain is moving back into the area.  The Tualatin River has reached the minor flood stage (17.51 feet) at Dilley as of noon today (March 30).  The Tualatin River at Dilley is expected to crest at 17.8 feet (Minor Flood Stage is 17.5 feet; Major Flood Stage is 19.5 feet).  (See Tualatin River level forecast.)

Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. If you need to provide high water protection for your home, many public agencies in Washington County have free sand and sandbags available. All sites are self-service - bring your own shovel. Filling sandbags properly is a two-person job.

Heavy rain also brings driving problems – isolated street flooding, limited visibility, reduced tire traction and less predictable car handling. Driving too fast in wet conditions can mean losing control of the car, and water can cause loss of function to your vehicle’s brakes and power steering. Slow down and increase following distance on wet roads.

Motorists are advised not to move or drive around barricades. Never drive your vehicle into areas where water covers the roadway. Even a foot of flowing water is powerful enough to sweep vehicles off the road. When encountering flooded roads, make the smart choice: turn around...don't drown.

If a traffic signal is not functioning, treat the intersection as an all-way stop. The driver who stops first goes first.

Crews will repair weather-related damage as soon as possible. But in the meantime, motorists are advised to slow down and watch out for unexpected storm-related conditions.

To request help or report a road hazard:

• Life-threatening - emergency response - call 9-1-1
• Report a road hazard - after hours - nonemergency response - 503-629-0111
• Report a road hazard - during business hours - 503-846-ROAD (846-7623) or [email protected]
• Request road service
• The appropriate city for flooding in city neighborhoods and on county roads within cities
• Clean Water Services at 503-681-3600 for flooding in urban unincorporated areas

Road condition information including emergency traffic advisories will continue to be posted on Washington County Roads. You can also follow us on Twitter for the latest road information.

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