SALEM -- Rising creeks flooded areas of Salem near the airport, inundating state motor pools along Mill Creek in Southeast Salem and causing sewer problems in Aumsville.
Salem police activated an Emergency Operations Center to deal with the crisis.
The Willamette River was at 31 feet early Thursday afternoon and was expected to crest Friday at about 30 feet. A major flood state would happen at 32 feet.
A non-emergency telephone number for general information has been created. Call (503) 540-9015. Temporary shelters have been established at Center 50 Plus at 2615 Portland Road NE and at the Salem Public Library.
Go here for Salem road closures
The state Department of Administrative Services ordered all state vehicles to be moved from low-lying or underground parking areas.
Most creeks in the city were at high levels, said Lt. Dave Okada. Do not drive into standing water and evacuate any building well before rising water reaches it, he said.
Parents in suburban Keizer were being asked if possible to pick up their children early from school. All district after school activities have been canceled. High water has closed Rosedale School.
Some areas of Aumsville were dealing with sewer problems, too. The system is at capacity with storm water runoff and water drains and toilets were affected, authorities said. They noted that drinking water was not compromised.
Oregon 22 was closed at the Stayton-Sublimity exit because of high water.
Cherriott transit bus routes 6, 7, 16 and 21 were being detoured and CARTS Route 30 has been canceled.
People willing to volunteer should call Hands On at (877) 372-4141 or (503) 364-1005. Sandbags were available at the following locations:
- Roth’s IGA, West Salem-1130 Wallace Rd NW
- City of Salem Public Works- 14th St SE
- Orchard Heights Park-1165 Orchard Heights Rd NW
- South Salem High School-1910 Church St SE
- Swegle Elementary School-4485 Market St NE
- D St at 14th St NE
- Lowe’s-1930 Turner Rd SE
