Clatsop Emergency Services Office Issues Coastal Flood Watch

Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011

COASTAL FLOOD WATCH
ISSUED FOR REGION WEDNESDAY

Runoff from this week’s strong Pacific storm is expected to combine with high tides today,
Wednesday, to bring potential flooding to coastal and estuary areas around
Clatsop County.

County officials continue to coordinate with local emergency agencies on the response to the
storm, which knocked out power to several communities and blocked some roads
with downed trees Tuesday.

As of Wednesday morning, Highway 202 was restricted to one lane by downed trees. LoukasLane was also reported to be blocked by downed power lines.

Electrical service was out for customers in Cannon Beach, Arch Cape and Warrenton/Hammond, as well as in other scattered areas of the county. Most areas were expected to be
restored by noon Wednesday, according Pacific Power.

The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood advisory for northwest Oregon and southwest

Washington through 2 p.m. Wednesday. High tide scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday,
combined with storm runoff, is forecast to reach 11 feet, posing a risk of
flooding to some low-lying areas. Motorists are advised to look for high water
on roadways.

High water has prompted the Oregon Department of Transportation to restrict traffic on U.S.
Highway 101 south of Seaside at Beerman Creek. Only trucks and other
high-profile vehicles were being allowed as of Wednesday morning.

A second but weaker storm front is expected to hit the northwest coast on Thursday, bringing
additional rain and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
For weather updates,
go to www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr.

For up-to-date road
conditions, go to http://www.tripcheck.com/ or call the travel
info hotline at 511.

For information on
winter storm preparation, go to http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/.

To receive weather
advisories from the National Weather Service, sign up with the ClatsopALERTS!
emergency notification system at http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/ or (503) 338-3656.

Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations
Coordinator
(503) 338-3622