Portland Streets Flooding Under Heavy Rainfall

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The City of Portland Office of Transportation is advising the public that strong winds and heavy rainfall are creating some street hazards for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Heavy rainfall has resulted in street flooding and areas of standing water all around the city.

Heavy rainfall also brings the potential for rock and mud slides. Strong winds bring the potential for fallen trees, tree limbs, and power lines in streets and yards. The public is advised to travel cautiously and be on guard for hazards on streets and sidewalks.

City crews are responding to reports of street flooding and closing streets where necessary until the standing water can be drained. City crews continue to pick up leaves to reduce the amount of slick material on streets and to prevent clogged catch basins that cause standing water and localized flooding.

Residents can help keep catch basins clear of leaves and debris by using a rake or pitch fork to clear the debris away. For leaves that have accumulated on the street, residents can rake them 12 inches away from the curb to allow for stormwater to flow to the catch basins.

To report standing water, clogged catch basins, or other hazards on Portland city streets, call Dispatch at (503) 823-1700. City crews will respond as resources are available. Their first priority is to clear transit routes and emergency response routes to hospitals. Their second priority is to clear major arterials and critical intersections on streets with high traffic volumes.

The City advises everyone to check road conditions before traveling. Check www.TripCheck.com for highway road conditions and weather outlooks. Use the Portland Winter Travel Info link to get current winter storm travel information for Portland.

The City advises motorists not to drive through standing water. Depth cannot be determined and even six inches of water can cause a car to float. Losing control of your car on wet pavement is a frightening experience. Unfortunately, it can happen unless you take preventive measures.

Drive slowly and cautiously over wet leaves; they can create a slick driving surface.

You can prevent skids by driving slowly and carefully, especially on curves. Steer and brake with a light touch. When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels and risk a skid. Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal.

If you do find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. For cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid using your brakes. This procedure, known as "steering into the skid," will bring the back end of your car in line with the front.

While skids on wet pavement may be frightening, hydroplaning is completely nerve-wracking. Hydroplaning happens when the water in front of your tires builds up faster than your car's weight can push it out of the way. The water pressure causes your car to rise up and slide on a thin layer of water between your tires and the road. At this point, your car can be completely out of contact with the road, and you are in danger of skidding or drifting out of your lane, or even off the road.

To avoid hydroplaning, keep your tires properly inflated, maintain good tread on your tires and replace them when necessary, slow down when roads are wet, and stay away from puddles. Try to drive in the tire tracks left by the cars in front of you.

If you find yourself hydroplaning, do not brake or turn suddenly. This could throw your car into a skid. Ease your foot off the gas until the car slows and you can feel the road again. If you need to brake, do it gently with light pumping actions. If your car has anti-lock brakes, then brake normally; the car's computer will mimic a pumping action, when necessary.

A defensive driver adjusts his or her speed to the wet road conditions in time to avoid having to use any of these measures!

Do not let children play in flood waters and avoid them as much as possible. Standing water can carry a number of contaminants including sewage and chemicals.

Following a heavy storm, sharp debris could be hidden in the water causing injury.

If downed power lines are hidden under standing water, there is the risk of electrocution.

Should temperatures drop and there's a snow and ice event, please take transit when possible. If you must drive, consider delaying your trip until road conditions are better. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination. Drive slowly. Steer and turn slowly. Brake gently. And stay off the brake on ice.

Portland Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry staff responds to calls about fallen trees that block public rights-of-way within Portland city limits. Their first priority is to clear major transportation and pedestrian routes. Removing the debris remains the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. Removal of privately owned trees that fall on private property is also the property owner's responsibility.

The safest place to be during high winds is indoors. Postpone outdoor activities if a wind advisory or high wind warning has been issued.

Watch for flying debris. Tree limbs may break and street signs may become loose during strong wind gusts. Keep an eye toward nearby balconies for loose objects that may fall.

If you see a tree or branches blocking a road or pedestrian sidewalk, please call PP&R's Urban Forestry office at 503.823.4489 or, for immediate tree hazards, 503.823.4491 during regular office hours (M-F, 7:00 AM to3:30 PM). On weekends and after 3:30 PM, call the Bureau of Maintenance at 503.823.1700.

Take cover next to a building or under a shelter. Stand clear of roadways or train tracks, as a gust may blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

Use handrails where available on outdoor walkways and avoid other elevated areas such as roofs without adequate railing.

If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and keep yourself and others away. If you see any downed line, call PGE immediately at 503.464.7777 in the Portland area. Do not try to free lines or to remove debris yourself.

Avoid anything that may be touching downed lines, including vehicles or tree branches. Puddles and even wet or snow-covered ground can conduct electricity in some cases. Warn others to stay away.