Lincoln County emergency services sends alert, warning of 3-day downpour hitting coast

Good morning Lincoln County Community Members!

We are sending a pre event notice for the predicted rainfall event from the National Weather Service beginning today through Saturday, December 21, 2019.

Our concern for this weather pattern is related to the amount of rain in a short time-frame, 3-8 inches Thursday evening into Saturday morning. This event will have a greater impact on our small streams, creeks, etc. as they cannot accommodate an influx of rain in a short time-frame and may reach capacity or overflow quickly.

The rivers, due to current levels, will be less impacted but may have some minor flooding in the low-lying areas. It is anticipated we will receive a Flood Watch for Lincoln County today as well.

It should also be noted the National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for Lincoln County beginning today at 8:53 am until Fri. Dec. 20^th at 8:00 am.

Suggested actions are:

• Stay informed:
  • Monitor National Weather Service information and updates (website or Facebook)
  • NWS Watches/Warnings for Lincoln County
  • Check current conditions page on County EM website
  • Check specific river levels on County EM Website
  • Check your Lincoln Alerts profile if you want to receive alerts specifically for the Alsea, Salmon, Siletz, Yachats, and Yaquina rivers www.co.lincoln.or.us/alerts
    • Those with addresses in the FEMA flood plains are pre grouped to receive flood notification messages based on their location.
• Expect full to overflowing streams and creeks possibly in a very short time frame
• Allow for extra driving time, check ODOT Trip Check or 511 before you go
• Check on vulnerable neighbors, friends and family that may be affected
• Periodically check your property, stream banks, buildings for effects from the storm event
• Use sandbags to reroute water away from structures

Resources – Lincoln County EM Website – Flooding and River Levels

• Current River Levels
• Live Flood Dashboard (NOAA)
• Weather Forecasts
• Preparedness Info
• Self-Serve Sandbag Station

Virginia “Jenny” Demaris, Emergency Manager

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office

Emergency Management Division

Questions or comments? Contact Lincoln County Emergency Management at vdemaris@co.lincoln.or.us or (541) 265-4199. For additional emergency preparedness information visit our Lincoln County Emergency Management website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net .