Myrtle Point, Ore. – Rising water on the South Fork Coquille River could begin flooding pastureland by Tuesday afternoon as a Pineapple Express slams southwest Oregon with heavy rain.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a Flood Watch is in effect through early Wednesday morning for the South Fork Coquille River at Myrtle Point. The river stood at 24.0 feet as of 9:20 a.m. Monday. Minor flooding begins at 30.0 feet, when agricultural land starts to take on water, while official flood stage is 33.0 feet. Forecasters expect the river to crest Tuesday afternoon.
Farther downstream, the Coquille River at Coquille is also under a Flood Watch through early Thursday morning. The river measured 17.4 feet Monday morning, with flood stage at 21.0 feet. The crest is projected between Tuesday evening and Wednesday evening.
A broader Flood Watch covers Coos, Curry, Josephine, Jackson, Douglas and western Siskiyou counties from this evening through Wednesday evening. Heavy rain combined with high snow levels will accelerate snowmelt in the hills, sending additional runoff into creeks and streams.
Residents in low-lying or flood-prone areas should prepare for rapid rises, avoid water-covered roads and secure livestock in vulnerable pastures. Additional statements are expected by 10 a.m. Tuesday as river levels respond to ongoing rainfall.
