Umatilla Flood Update

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 02/10/2020 10:53 AM PST

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Umatilla County recovering from flooding

Feb. 10, 2020

For more information: Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office 541-966-3671

What’s Happened So Far?

  • On Thursday Feb. 6, a combination of heavy rain and snow melt caused by warm temperatures brought flooding to many areas of Umatilla County.
  • Since flooding started, the Oregon Army National Guard used helicopters to rescue 54 people, 10 dogs, one cat and one rabbit stranded by the flood.
  • One woman was killed when high water swept through her property near the Bar M Ranch, the only reported fatality in the flooding.
  • High water and road damage closed Interstate 84 in both directions Friday Feb. 7 between Exits 182 and 188. Crews worked through the night and opened one lane in each direction late Sunday night, Feb. 9.

What’s Happening on Monday?

  • Weather is expected be cool and dry with no new flood threats.
  • A web site has been set up for homeowners, renters and businesses to report damage to their property: https://tinyurl.com/w4838tq. This information will be used by the county to capture impacts of the flood to request support from the state and federal government.
  • The search and rescue operation will transition to an assessment process to determine the extent of the damage.
  • Umatilla County crews will evaluate roads and the damage to county equipment.
  • ODOT will continue working on I-84 but there is no timeline for reopening the second eastbound and westbound lanes.
  • ODOT will continue to inspect and repair roads and structures and assess potential damage.
  • OR 204, the Tollgate Highway, remains closed between milepost 26.7, Andes Prairie, and 37.4 at Summerville Road.
  • Umatilla County crews will inspect and assess damage to Walla Walla River Road and Mill Creek Road.

What Happens Next?

  • Crews will continue recovery efforts throughout the area, including damage assessment and planning/constructing repairs.
  • ODOT will announce updates regarding opening the second eastbound and westbound lanes of I-84 and the closed section of OR 204.

 

 

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