STORM WATCH: Salem Coordinates Response Teams

Personnel from Salem Fire, Police, Parks, Fleet Services met with Public Works Thursday afternoon to plan and coordinate response activities.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - The City of Salem is preparing for the possibilities of flooding, and high winds during the next few days. Public Works crews responded to 26 reports of high water today throughout the Salem area. In addition, Parks crews responded to a tree down at Walker Road NE and Weigart Court NE. Local flooding is probable during the next three days. Please report flooding to Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6333. In addition, the Willamette River is projected to crest at 24 feet in Salem Friday night. At this level, local flooding is expected in areas of southeast Salem. Free sand and sandbags are available at the Public Works Shops complex. From Mission Street SE, go south on 22nd Street SE and follow the signs. The Willamette River is projected to crest Friday evening. Winds gusting 55-65 mph are predicted this evening. Residents are encouraged to stay home if possible. If you do need to go out, please allow extra time and use caution. Please report all instances of downed trees or power lines to Salem Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6333. Never approach or touch a downed power lines. Stay away from downed lines until the electrical utility has responded and made the area clear. In storms such as expected tonight, power outages are anticipated. This often leads to traffic signals being out. If a traffic signal is out, please use extra caution and treat the intersection as a four-way stop. Salem Public Works is coordinating with Parks, Fire, Police, Fleet Services, and emergency management. Public Works, Parks, and Fleet Services are on duty this evening with additional crews on standby. Police and Fire are also ready to coordinate and assist if this becomes a major event.