Flash flood warning for Baker and Malheur counties Thursday evening

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning at 3:25 p.m. Thursday that was in effect until 6:15 p.m. for Baker and Malheur counties.

“At 3:25 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms with heavy rainfall over Cow Valley and Durkee Burn Scars. Up to 2 inches of rain has fallen. Precipitation expected is 0.5 to 1 inch in one hour. Flash flooding is occurring or expected to begin shortly,” the weather service explains. “Life-threatening flash flooding in areas in and around Cow Valley and Durkee Burn Scars.”

Places affected by the warning include Brogan, California Mountain, Brogan Hill Summit, Rye Valley, Malheur Reservoir, Malheur City, Jamieson, Cow Valley, Weatherby, Durkee, Dixie, Lime, Buckbrush Poison Butte and Big Lookout Mountain.

According to the weather service, “This is a life-threatening situation. Heavy rains will cause extensive and severe flash flooding of creeks, rivers and ditches in the Cow Valley and Durkee Burn Scars. Severe debris flows are also expected on the roads. Roads and driveways may be washed away in places. If you encounter flood water, get to safety. Move away from recently burned areas. Life-threatening flooding of creeks, roads and normally dry riverbeds is likely. The heavy rains will likely trigger rock falls, mudslides and debris avalanches on steep terrain, especially in and around these areas.”

Weather alert breakdown: advisories, observations and warnings

• Flash flood warning: take action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or is already occurring. In areas at risk of flooding, it is important to get to higher ground immediately. A flash flood is a sudden and severe flood that can develop within minutes to hours and can occur even in areas where there is currently no rainfall.

• Flood warning: take action!

A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or already underway.

• Flood warning: Please note:

A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is not expected to be severe enough to warrant a warning, but may cause significant inconvenience and, if care is not taken, may result in situations which may threaten life and/or property.

• Flood warning: Be prepared:

A flood warning is issued when conditions are favourable for flooding. This does not mean that flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Safe behaviour during floods: Recommendations from the weather service

Flooding can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the Weather Service offers important flood safety guidelines:

Find higher ground:

If you are in a flood-prone area or camping in a low-lying area, the first step is to move to higher ground.

Follow evacuation instructions:

If local authorities issue an evacuation order, obey it immediately. Secure your home by locking it before leaving.

Disconnect utilities and equipment:

If time permits, unplug your utilities and appliances. This will reduce the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.

Avoid basements and flooded areas:

Avoid basements or rooms where sockets or cables are under water. This way you can avoid electrical accidents.

For safety reasons, evacuate immediately:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, popping or banging noises, leave the area immediately. Avoid water that may be live.

Avoid going into flood water:

Never attempt to walk through flood water, even if it appears shallow. Even 6 inches of fast-flowing water can sweep you off your feet with full force.

Seek higher ground if you are trapped:

If you are trapped in running water, go to the highest possible point and dial 911 to contact emergency services.

Heavy rain increases the risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Remember this important advice: never try to drive through water on the road, even if it doesn't seem deep. According to the weather service, as little as 30 cm of fast-moving water can sweep away most vehicles. Stay safe by being informed and prepared.

Driving in heavy rain: safety tips for wet roads

In heavy rain, safety is paramount. Follow these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid danger:

Be careful in case of flooding:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches where fast-flowing water can pose a serious hazard.

Keep the safety distance:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, and add an additional two seconds in heavy rain.

Reduce speed and drive carefully:

On wet roads, it is extremely important to slow down. Ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane carefully:

On multi-lane roads, stay in the middle lane to minimize the risk of aquaplaning, as water tends to collect in the outer lanes.

Prioritize visibility:

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Pay particular attention to vehicles in your blind spot, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Be careful of slippery roads:

During the first half hour of rain, the roads are most slippery due to a mixture of rain, dirt and oil. Be especially careful during this time.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid following them too closely and overtake them quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

• Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that you can no longer see the edge of the road or other vehicles at a safe distance, it is time to stop and wait for the rain to subside. It is best to stop at rest areas or other sheltered areas.
• If you can only stop at the side of the road, position your vehicle as far from the road as possible, ideally behind guard rails. Leave your headlights on and activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risks and ensure your well-being during heavy rain. Stay informed about weather conditions and follow the advice of local authorities to ensure your trip is safe and unharmed.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.