TILLAMOOK, Ore. — An atmospheric river continued to batter the Pacific Northwest on Wednesday, hitting the Oregon coast particularly hard and flooding highways.
“I’m having to go to work, so I am taking the long way around because the roads to work are full of water,” said Linda Alder, who lives in Tillamook.
Highway 101 in Tillmook was closed because of high water, and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) had detours in place. Despite the barriers put up by road crews, some drivers attempted to cross the flooded roadways.
"The police department would ask everyone to stay out of the flood waters — if you are walking, cycling or driving an automobile, please stay out of the flood waters; it's not healthy or safe," said Tillamook Police Lieutenant Nick Troxel.
“It is surprising because people don’t realize that moving water can float your car,” Adler said.
Both Adler and other residents said this type of flooding isn’t unusual along the coast, but some areas are seeing more significant damage.
Crews closed Miami Foley Road near milepost 8 after a landslide broke through the asphalt. Road maintenance crews said it will be at least two weeks before the street is back open to drivers.
As many wait out the storm inside, others huddle up in tents trying to keep the little they own dry.
“Half the night I spent trying to move things up, and then, I have pallets stacked about 6 feet high with all the things I couldn’t get up the hill,” Bettina English said.
English said she’s been homeless and camping for the past few months, but last night was the first time that water almost breached her tent. Now, she’s waiting for the rain to stop so she can clean up.
Most flood warnings and watches at the coast end Wednesday night, and forecasters expect water to recede over the next few days.