Salem's Rising Tide of Flood Issues

Schools in Salem/Keizer are canceled for Friday.

Photo by Jerry Freeman, Video by Jerry Freeman and Austin King - Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - Salem, like so many other parts of western Oregon, is seeing large amounts of water gathering from heavy rains that aren't expected to stop soon.

Flood Warning

According to the Forecasters with the National Weather Service and Accuweather.com, the following bulletin applies to NW Oregon and SW Washington Coastal Basins:

The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Oregon - Siletz River at the city of Siletz; this is affecting Lincoln County; Alsea River Near Tidewater, which it is affecting both Benton And Lincoln Counties; and Siuslaw River near Mapleton which is affecting Lane County. River Forecasts are based on observed and forecast rainfall.

High Wind Watch

A High Wind Watch is in effect from Friday evening through Saturday morning for the North and Central Oregon Coast Range and the Willapa Hills of Southwest Washington. The National Weather Service in Portland has issued a High Wind Watch - which is in effect from Friday evening through Saturday morning.

Floods, traffic problems; all types of emergencies accompany events like this, and residents are advised to be careful at all times. Follow instructions posted on roadways and know that if the signs say the road is closed, there is good reason.

Our weather resistant News Photojournalist Jerry Freeman has been moving around the Willamette Valley non-stop, shooting video of a long list of weather-related stories which are dominating the news in the Northwest and beyond.

The danger of rising flood waters came into full view Wednesday night when a vehicle with several children was swept away by swollen waters which washed the unsuspecting driver and passengers into a fast moving creek, and under a street intersection.

Salem is flooded out all over town; sandbags were being made available today at the Salem city yard thanks to the efforts of both community volunteers and inmates. Residents need to do what they can to preserve their property and belongings.

Some are speculating that the flooding could be worse than anything the capitol city has seen in some time.

As Jerry's video shows, substantial flooding is taking place along Mill Creek at State Street NE, which is an area that frequently sees excessive water during heavy rains as we have reported in the past.

Another area Jerry recorded is the 1900 block of McGilchrist St. SE near 16th St SE, at the railroad tracks; an area holding large amounts of water that is surrounded by streets that are deluged with accumulated rains and closed.

The problems are going to get worse before they get better, according to weather forecasts. The seven-day forecast calls for a 100% chance of rain Friday, and an 80% to 80% chance of rain for each of the other six days.

Salem/Keizer Schools in Marion County will be closed Friday. Parents of students in some schools were called mid-day Thursday and advised that they should pick their kids up early from school if possible.

Austin King also recorded video of the intersection of Mission and 25th St. SE where little pavement is showing. With more wet weather on the way, among so many other things, motorists are advised to use extreme caution.

Apartment Flooding

Meanwhile, what does a family do if their parking lot is underwater, making the process of accessing their own home a daunting task?

That seems to be the problem facing Lisa & Jason Snider, residents of Salem's North Park apartments.

They say flooding becomes a much bigger problem when landlords fail to respond to a flooding issue that arises time and time again when the rains pour.

They say the property surrounding their apartment in the 2600 block of Claxter Rd NE in Salem, needs to be shored up in a serious way.

Jason Snider contacted our newsroom with hope of determining which government agency he should contact to compel the landlord of the property to help resolve the problem, Snider says some of those impacted are members of the disabled community.

"I was wondering if you could tell me which agency in Salem I can call about the flooded parking lot in my apartment complex (at least 6 inches). Numerous complaints have been filed with the apartment manager and nothing has been done. This problem also affects a few people who are disabled. "

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