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Portland area braces for more heavy rain, possible flooding and slides

The city of Portland is monitoring areas at risk for landslides and asking the public to help keep storm drains clear.

PORTLAND, Ore. — With days of heavy rain in the forecast comes a warning from city of Portland officials of possible storm-related flooding and other potential impacts.

On Monday, crews with the Portland Bureau of Transportation checked areas in the West Hills for potential risks of landslides. They paid close attention to rain-soaked soil, unusual streamflow and blocked culverts.

“We're relieved to see that there's no cause for concern right now,” said Dylan Rivera with PBOT.

Rivera added that conditions could change quickly. With heavy, relentless rain in the forecast he said he’s concerned that high-elevation corridors could look very different in a matter of days.

“The day-to-day toll of the saturation is what could make those hillsides different tomorrow or in a couple days than what they have been today,” said Rivera.

PBOT warned people who live in areas known to experience landslides to be alert during periods of heavy rain. They’re asking neighbors to help keep ditches, storm drains, culverts and trash racks clear of debris so stormwater can run freely.

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Debbie Kaye spent the afternoon raking leaves from the sidewalks in her Northwest Portland neighborhood. As recommended by the city, she also raked the leaves at least one foot away from the curb to create a path for stormwater.

“If the drains aren't clear then water backs up,” said Kaye. “I have neighbors who've been flooded by drains … it gets very saturated.”

Officials with PBOT asked anyone who sees signs of landslides that threaten public safety to evacuate immediately, then call 911.

Those who see landslides blocking streets or sidewalks that are not posing an immediate threat to the public were advised to call the 24/7 PBOT Maintenance Dispatch line at 503-823-1700.

For landslides on private property that don’t threaten public safety or city right-of-way, PBOT advised calling the Bureau of Development Services at 503-823-2633.

For further flood prevention, PBOT set up three, free sandbag stations around the city:

• Lents Park parking lot at SE 88th Avenue, just south of Holgate Boulevard. Follow one-way traffic to the sand pile.
• Gabriel Park parking lot at SW 42nd Avenue and Vermont Street. Enter park from Vermont.
• SE 111th Avenue and Harold Street at the southeast corner of the intersection.

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