The latest reports from the National Weather Service continued to include the threat of high winds and rain around Clark County through Saturday.
“Low pressure off the South Oregon Coast will lift northward towards Vancouver Island tonight,’’ read a Thursday afternoon report from the NWS. “This will bring strong winds up the Oregon Coast this afternoon and along the south Washington Coast early this evening. Winds will ease later this evening, except along the south Washington Coast and far north Oregon Coast where breezy conditions remain into Friday.’’
The NWS report then added that the “next round of winds will arrive on Saturday. As a very strong low pressure moves northeastward just offshore. This has potential to bring very damaging winds to the coastal areas by Saturday afternoon … and possibly to inland areas. Details still in flux but take time now to prepare for disruptions in traffic and power grids.’’
The NWS report indicated wind gusts could be as high as 55-65 mph on Saturday.
Here’s some other weather-related tidbits from around Clark County Thursday:
Clark County
Clark County crews will be prepared to remove fallen trees and branches from county roads, clear blocked storm drains and plugged culverts, monitor roads and bridges in flood-prone areas and, if necessary, close roads because of standing water.
Drivers should never ignore or move closure signs and drive through water. Half of all flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. A small car can be swept away by as little as 1 foot of rapidly flowing water.
Weather-related problems outside city limits can be reported to Clark County Public Works by calling (360) 397-2446. After-hours calls are forwarded to an answering service that will dispatch crews as necessary.
For urgent situations that pose an immediate threat to public safety, call 911.
Downed power lines or trees that have fallen into power lines should be reported to Clark Public Utilities at (360) 992-3000. Always assume a downed line carries a live charge.
Public Works posts road closures and other storm information on its Twitter account, ClarkCoWa_PW.
Clark County has a limited supply of sandbags and sand at 4700 N.E. 78th St. and 11608 N.E. 149th St. Residents should bring their own shovels to these self-serve sites and take only what they need. D do not call 911 to request sandbags.
Vancouver
Vancouver Public Works is setting up two self-serve sites for Vancouver residents in need of sandbags. The sand and empty bags are provided at the sites. Residents should bring their own shovels to fill bags and be prepared to transport them. Sand and bags will be available starting the morning of Wed., Oct. 12, at the following locations:
- In front of fence, near the sign at the former Golden Skate site, 4915 E. Fourth Plain Blvd.
- Near the driveway access at Vancouver Public Works’ East Operations site, 912 N.E. 192nd Ave.
Residents are reminded that leaves and other debris should not be blown or raked into streets where they can add to problems caused by heavy rains. This year’s free leaf disposal coupons for Vancouver and Clark County residents are available on the city’s website at www.cityofvancouver.us/solidwaste.
In quiet neighborhood streets, residents can help clear stormwater drains of debris by using a leaf rake while standing safely back behind the curb.
To report a problem with localized street flooding, street light outage or tree down in the street, residents should call Vancouver Public Works Operations Center at (360) 487-8177, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; or (360) 693-9302 for urgent after-hours concerns. Regular service requests may also be made online at www.cityofvancouver.us/servicerequest. In case of a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.
Camas
The city of Camas will make sand and sandbags available for emergency use to city residents.
These items will be made available at the old Grass Valley Fire Station located at 4010 NW Astor Street. This sandbagging location is “self-serve” with, shovels and bags available for use. The city suggests that sandbags be filled only half-full , as smaller bags pack tighter and are easier to handle. Overfilled bags are unstable when stacked and can leave gaps that allow water to flow through.
If water is pooling around a storm drain and beginning to cause localized flooding, provided conditions are safe, residents can help by raking leaves and debris from around the drains to allow the water to flow freely. Public Works maintenance crews will respond to calls for assistance during heavy rains, however, they may not be able to get to each storm drain as quickly as desired.
To report localized flooding, contact the Public Works Operations Department, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at (360) 817-1563. For after-hours emergencies, call (360) 737-0592.
La Center
Weather forecasts predict strong winds and 3-5 inches of rain from Thu., Oct. 13, through Sun., Oct. 16.
Due to leaves, there is a potential for localized flooding. If needed, the city has both sand and sandbags available. For more information, contact the Public Works After Hours Emergency number at 360-542-3450.
In the event of street flooding or downed trees, contact the Public Works After Hours Emergency number at 360-524-3450.
Ridgefield
More than 2,000 customers of Clark Public Utilities in and around Ridgefield were without power for a period of time Thursday morning due to an outage caused by the weather.
City crews will be inspecting storm drains and facilities and clearing any blockages. Crews are also available to clear limbs or debris that block roadway travel.
Sand and bags are available for the public at Abrams Park.
For more information, contact city of Ridgefield Maintenance and Operations, 109 W. Division, or phone (360) 887-3897.
Washougal
For a detailed forecast and the latest weather information from the National Weather Service — Flood Advisory / Flood watch .
Sandbag pickup locations around Washougal and flood information are attached below.
City of Washougal officials ask residents to do their part by disposing of leaves properly and not into the street. Help keep leaves and debris free from blocking storm drains.
The city of Washougal currently has three sites where sand and or sand bags will be stocked:
- 2300 block of North L Street.
- Silver Star Search & Rescue 13th & A Street.
- Public Works Operations 2201 C Street.
Camas-Washougal Fire Department Volunteers: Volunteers are currently active and are available to be dispatched by the Camas-Washougal Fire Department as needed to assist in flood situations. Contact the Camas-Washougal Fire Department at (360) 834-2262 for assistance.
I-5 ramp closures canceled
The Washington State Department of Transportation announced Thursday that ramp closures planned for Oct. 12-15 on I-5 between Vancouver and Ridgefield had been canceled due to weather conditions. The work will be rescheduled at a later date.
