Closures and Delays in Oregon and SW Washington

Here is the latest roundup of closures and delays in place due to flooding and weather-related issues.

(SALEM, Ore.) - This latest list of delays and closures includes listings for Banks and Credit Unions, Counties/Regional, Marine/Waterways, Police/Fire, Public Colleges and Universities, Schools, Transportation and Utilities.

We will keep this information as up to date as possible, but we suggest double checking information whenever possible. Conditions can worsen quickly and this list does receive constant updates.

Check Salem-News.com for numerous other weather-related articles; the weather in the northwest is potentially dangerous and every precaution taken is a good step.

Residents are reminded to document damage to homes and property. Photographic documentation can be valuable proof to show damages after a winter storm.

If your home or property is damaged in the January 2009 storm, take a photograph of the damage, if it is safe to do so. Then keep the photos. They may be needed at a future date to assist in damage assessment after the storm.

First Independent Bank: Woodland Banking Center closed early due to flooding. Expect to open as usual Thursday.

Clark County Public Information & Outreach: Clark Regional Emergency Operations Center opens due to floodingBuncombe Hollow Road is closed in both directions due to a mud slide VANCOUVER, WA – Clark County, Washington, activated its Regional Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 12:00 PM on January 7th, in response to flooding concerns throughout Clark County.

For the duration of the emergency situation, the EOC will coordinate emergency response among various public safety agencies. Staff from these and other local agencies will closely monitor the developing situation. Information officers will be on duty at the Clark Regional EOC to provide emergency status information to the news media. You may reach the IO on duty at (360) 737-1911, ext. 3935 or 3985. Members of the public should call 911 to report life-threatening emergency situations. They should call 211 if they have questions that are less urgent.

With flooding threatening several locations in Clark County, the Clark Regional Emergency Operations Center has released an updated list of locations where citizens can find materials to make sandbags.

Vancouver/Clark CountyClark County Public Works Shops, 78th/St. Johns (enter on the 78th Street side)

Battle Ground Clark County Fire & Rescue - Battle Ground Stations (S 2-7) 505 SW 1st St., Battle Ground Brush Prairie/Hockinson

Clark County Public Works Maintenance Station 11608 NE 149th St., Brush Prairie. 397-2446

Washougal Silver Star SAR Headquarters, 1220 A St. in Washougal East County Fire & Rescue (Station 1-3)121 NE 312th Ave.,

Washougal East County Fire & Rescue (Station 1-4)1808 SE 352nd Ave., Washougal Ridgefield

Ridgefield Public WorksRidgefield Sewage Treatment Plan – Division/Railroad Tracks in Ridgefield

The Oregon State Marine Board is warning boaters to be especially cautious about boating due to high water levels and storm debris. The recent snow and ice has brought down many trees, creating hazardous conditions on many of our state's rivers.

"We are asking boaters to be extra cautious whether you run a kayak, raft, canoe or motorized craft," said Paul Donheffner, Director of the Oregon State Marine Board. Donheffner went on to urge boaters to scout rapids and river bends before committing. "If your boat gets pushed against a fallen tree you are in grave danger of capsizing and ending up in very cold water."

Donheffner urged all boaters to wear life jackets and to report any navigation problems to the local county sheriff or the Marine Board. The emergency warning is also being extended to facility operators statewide. Moorage and marina operators and slip renters should check their mooring lines and spring lines to make sure they are secure. People on houseboats and floating homes should check their pilings and monitor rising water. Watch for floating debris, check sewage and utility connections, which may be pulled out.

American Red Cross - Oregon Trail Chapter: As of this time, the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross does not have any shelters in operation. The Red Cross stands ready to respond with support and supplies as city and county officials make these requests.

Oregon City Police Dept.: Oregon City is offering sandbags to its residents and business owners. There is no charge for this service.Sand, sand bags, and shovels are provided. Three convenient stations have been set up including:- two at the Public Works Operations building located at 122 S. Center Street. - one at Danielsons Hilltop Mall between the theater and Beavercreek Road. These stations are open 24 hours a day on a self-serve basis. For more information please call 503-657-8241.For additional sand bag locations in Clackamas County go to: www.clackamas.us. (Effective tomorrow - Thu Jan 8th)

Cowlitz Co. Schools: Kelso Sch. Dist.: Closed due to flooding and potential flooding. (Effective tomorrow - Thu Jan 8th) UPDATE

Lower Columbia Schools: Naselle-Grays River Valley Sch. Dist.: Closed (Effective tomorrow - Thu Jan 8th) UPDATE

Oregon Dept. of Forestry: Tillamook Forest Center on Hwy 6 is scheduled to reopen at 10:00 Thursday morning due to improving river conditions.

ODOT: Interstate 5 is closed at milepost 68 (Chehalis) in Washington State; there is no detour because all east/west routes from/to NW Washington are also closed. Motorists are advised not to attempt travel between Portland and Chehalis or points further north until checking conditions Thursday. (Effective tomorrow - Thu Jan 8th)

Road Closures in Clark County: About 50 yards of the Buncombe Hollow Road in Clark County has been washed out. Public Works has closed the road and barricaded it in both directions. Roads blocked by high water or slides will be barricaded if considered unsafe for travel. People should not try to drive around or move barricades.

ODOT/Portland, Mt. Hood: Motorists traveling between the Oregon Coast and the Willamette Valley and then planning to travel on U.S. 101 through Seaside are advised to take U.S. 30 between Portland and Astoria. High water on the road has closed U.S. 101 to passenger cars and other low-profile vehicles just south of Seaside. It is very possible that US 101 will be closed to ALL vehicles at that location sometime tonight. (Effective tomorrow - Thu Jan 8th) UPDATE

ODOT/North Coast: Seaside- U.S. 101 (Pacific Coast Highway) is restricted to high profile vehicles at mile points 23-25, just south of Seaside due to high water. Complete closure overnight is possible. The detour route on Oregon 103 (Fishhawk Falls Highway) may also be affected by Nehalem River flooding overnight, so motorists should use U.S. 30 (Lower Columbia River Highway) as the alternate route.

TILLAMOOK - Oregon 6 (Wilson River Highway) has been closed due to high water at mile point 0.5, on the east side of Tillamook. A detour using local roads is in place.

Updated 1-8-09 at 9:52 AM: Cowlitz County PUD: About 100 Cowlitz PUD customers are out of power this morning, due to high flood waters and landslides. Areas out include from the 3400 block to the end of Allen Street (17 customers, east of Kelso)...and 76 customers in the town of Cougar (broken power pole and lines down at MP 42 on Highway 503). Power outages can be reported to Cowlitz PUD by calling (360) 423-2210 or WA toll free at (800) 631-1131. The PUD serves 48,200 customers in Cowlitz County, WA. UPDATE