Columbia County Prepares Declaration of Emergency Over Severe Weather (VIDEO)

(VERNONIA, Ore.) - Today, Columbia County and the City of Vernonia prepared declarations of emergency contingent upon resource depletion, due to the severe winter storm involving heavy snow, ice and heavy rainfall, which has resulted in the imminent possibility of flooding and severely taxing county resources.

Columbia County Commissioner's approved the wording of the declaration, which is contingent upon worsening weather conditions that could deplete the County's resources in response to the flood warning issued by the National Weather Service for the Upper Nehalem River.

The National Weather Service Report predicted that the river level would peak above flood state at around 6:00 AM on Friday, January 2nd 2009.

The declaration states that Columbia County, cities, public utilities, police, fire and emergency management agencies are likely to suffer from the stretched resources, overtime costs and unusual expenses in responding to the effects of the winter storm and flooding event.

The extent of the damages and assistance needed may be beyond the capabilities of Columbia County to provide. Both declarations will be forwarded to the office of the Governor of the State of Oregon for action.

The National Weather Service Flood Warning continues to be in effect for urban areas and small streams in Columbia County until 1:30 PM on Friday. At 5:25 AM weather radar indicated that heavy precipitation that has been occurring over the past 24-hours had decreased considerably.

However, as the runoff works its way through the watersheds, local flooding of small streams and streets can be expected for the next several hours. Rainfall amounts over the region during the past 24-hours ranged from 2 to 6 plus inches.

A Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or has been reported. Small streams will continue to rise through-out the day from the heavy rainfall.

Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause ponding of water in the urban areas, highways, street and underpasses as well as other poor drainage areas and low lying spots, as well as elevated levels on small creeks and streams.

The public is urged not to drive vehicles into area where the water covers the roadway. The water depth may be too great to allow vehicles to cross safely. Move to higher ground.

Landslides and debris flows are possible during this flood event. People, structures and road located below steep slopes, in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk from rapidly moving landslides.

The National Weather Service has also issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the North Oregon Coast and the Willapa Hills of SW Washington to remain in effect until 4:00 AM on Saturday, January 3rd 2009.

Snow levels will range from 500 to 1000 feet through Friday night. Snow may fall below 500 feet in heavier showers, but accumulations will be less than an inch. Expect accumulations of 2 to 5 inches above 1000 feet through Friday morning.

Snow showers are projected to diminish in the afternoon, but an additional 2 to 5 inches can be expected Friday afternoon through Friday night.

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means that periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibility. Use caution when driving.

As always, it is better to stay home if at all possible, but if you can't be prepared with a 72-hour emergency kit in your vehicle.

For information emergency on 72-hour kits at oregonredcross.org or the www.tak5tosurvive.com, additional emergency information will also be provided on the county website at co.columbia.or.us.

In this video, Salem-News.com's Tim King discusses flooding with Jennifer Bailey of the Oregon Emergency Management agency: