At this time, 1 person remains unaccounted for in the Dodson area. It’s believed the vehicle they were driving in was swept away by the debris flow. Firefighters were not able to locate any heat sources using thermal-imaging cameras. It remains too dangerous for physical search. pic.twitter.com/vmv9AHFlQc
— Multnomah Co. Sheriff’s Office (@MultCoSO) January 13, 2021
Heavy rain was too much for the landscape of northwest Oregon to handle, as landslides overnight near Dodson, Oregon caused serious damage. The city is located right along the Hood River, with parts of Interstate 84 impacted in the slide.
The National Weather Service in Portland, OR issued a Flash Flood Warning after “Heavy rain overnight has led to landslides that are threatening homes near MP35 along Interstate 84 near Dodson, Oregon. Multnomah County Emergency Management urges residents to leave the area immediately. This is a life threatening situation.” Evacuees were told to go to a local hotel for emergency shelter. The eastbound lanes of I-84 in the Troutdale area were closed and the situation was deemed “too dangerous to send in rescue crews.”
Multnomah Co. EM urges residents of Dodson, Oregon to evacuate the area immediately. If you know anyone in Dodson, Oregon, please consider calling them & waking them up. The situation has been deemed too dangerous to send in rescue crews. #pdxtst #orwx #pdxtraffic #pdx https://t.co/t7Xji6iTZD
— NWS Portland (@NWSPortland) January 13, 2021
This wasn’t the only landslide from Tuesday night’s storms. Highway 219 in Scholls was also closed after a slide covered the road. In Clackamas County, Oregon, officials documented downed trees and powerlines shutting down multiple roadways. On Wednesday morning, more than a half million customers were without power in Washington State.
Additional Hazards
S Butte Creek Rd near Maple Grove Rd – trees/wires down
SE 137th blocked at SE Portland View – down tree
Boones Ferry Rd near Bonaire Ave – low hanging wire
SE Grahams Ferry Rd near Day Rd – Tree leaning on wires #alert #pdxtst pic.twitter.com/E5Ryd3g2qn
— Clackamas Sheriff (@ClackCoSheriff) January 13, 2021
All throughout Washington and Oregon, drivers are urged to use extreme caution as debris and power outages are making for dangerous travel.
Things to watch out for if you must travel this morning:
▪️ Debris on the roads (trees, powerlines, mud, rocks)
▪️ Dark intersections – treat as 4 way stop
▪️ Water on roadways – never drive around barricades
▪️ Crews out working – give them space#wawx— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) January 13, 2021