Portland, Oregon – Flood concerns remain elevated across the Pacific Northwest as rivers and small streams respond to recent rainfall, with Oregon, Washington, and northern California highlighted in a new national flood hazard outlook issued Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service’s National Water Center, considerable river and small stream flooding is ongoing across northwest Oregon, where repeated rounds of rain have pushed water levels higher over the past 24 hours. Parts of southwest Washington are also dealing with lingering river flooding and elevated flows that are expected to persist through the weekend, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
In Oregon, the highest impacts are centered on rivers draining toward the Willamette Valley and coastal basins, where saturated soils are limiting the ground’s ability to absorb additional rainfall. Minor flooding of low-water crossings, agricultural land, and river-adjacent roads remains possible, even as rainfall intensity gradually decreases.
Washington faces a similar setup, especially in the southwest portion of the state, where rivers are running high following prolonged precipitation. Forecasters note that even modest additional rainfall could slow recession or trigger renewed rises. Landslide potential also remains a concern in steep terrain due to saturated ground.
Farther south, northern and central California are included in the extended flood outlook, with urban flooding, small stream rises, and river responses possible this weekend into early next week. Snowmelt is not a primary factor, but repeated rainfall events could compound runoff issues in burn scar and urbanized areas.
The flood hazard outlook suggests a drier pattern developing across much of the Ohio Valley next week, while the Pacific Northwest remains a focal point for hydrologic concerns. Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to stay aware of river forecasts, avoid driving through flooded roadways, and monitor updates from local National Weather Service offices.
Additional river statements and flood advisories may be issued as conditions evolve across Oregon, Washington, and northern California in the days ahead.
