RAINIER, Ore. — Rainier’s mayor on Tuesday declared a state of emergency due to severe flooding.
The flood waters began receding Tuesday afternoon, but not before damaging several properties. Mayor Jerry Cole said water rose faster than local resources could handle.
"I was surprised at how fast it came up. And I think everybody else in the county was too," Cole said.
Cole told KGW that his state of emergency declaration was a precautionary move. The state of emergency calls for emergency funds from all available resources to protect property and requests assistance from the state.
Rainier was under a Flood Warning until Tuesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
Cole said Rainier recent extreme rainfall and snow melt flooded Fox Creek, overtaking and threatening several businesses. The flooding crossed the Columbia River Highway.
"Public works checked on it about 3 a.m. and it was rising. And we weren't anticipating it rising so fast," said Cole.
The city worked with the Oregon Department of Transportation to divert traffic around the flooded area. ODOT said travelers should expect delays into the evening.
Sandbags are available near the fire department and near public works, Cole said.