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2025 Winter Storm

Thursday, December 18, at 11:00 a.m.

We are expecting heavy rain, higher than normal wind speeds, and possible flooding over the next few days. This is the time to make sure you are prepared.

 

Safety Messages

Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.

Depending on the type of flooding:

  • Evacuate if told to do so.
  • Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
  • Stay where you are.

Weather Updates

The National Weather Service is the best resource to receive up to date information on current or forecasted weather conditions: https://www.weather.gov/.

Download the FEMA mobile app for weather alerts: https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app.

Forecast as of Thursday morning:

Heavy Rain

A strong atmospheric river is forecast to hit the central and southern Willamette Valley (Lane, Benton, Linn, and Lincoln counties) today and continuing into Friday. Overnight tonight through Friday afternoon could bring 4.5 inches of rain to the Eugene area and possibly up to 6 inches east of Springfield into the foothills.

 

Flooding Potential

Much of Lane County is currently under a Flood Watch -- meaning conditions are right for possible flooding, especially in low-lying areas or areas where high water is often a problem.

    • Siuslaw River is under a Flood Warning (meaning likely to occur). It's forecast to exceed bank full (15 feet) and crest around 18.9 feet by 1 tonight, and drop below Flood Stage by late Friday morning.
    • Mohawk River is forecast to reach Action Stage (bank full) tomorrow morning, crest at about 16 feet by 10:00 a.m. Friday, and drop below Action Stage on Saturday

 

High Winds Could Cause Downed Trees and Power Outages

A Wind Advisory has been issued for the Central and Southern Willamette Valley, Foothills of the Northern and Central Oregon Cascades, and Central Oregon Coast Range Lowlands between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. tomorrow.  South winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected. 


Power Updates

View the state's power outage map. 

The most up-to-date information is available directly through your power service provider.

 

Blachly-Lane

 

Lane Electric

 

Emerald People’s Utility District

 

Eugene Water and Electric Board

 

Springfield Utility Board

Power Outage Safety

Be ready in case the power goes out.

  • Gather supplies in case you lose power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
  • Do NOT approached downed powerlines. Report them to your utility provider if possible.

 

Use your generator safely.

  • Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
  • NEVER heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
  • Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets.
  • Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.
  • Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
  • Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
 

Sandbags

Sandbags are available in areas that traditionally experience flooding under these conditions in case the flooding does occur. The sand is being made available in partnership with local fire departments:

 

    • City of Oakridge (48318 E 1st Street) during business hours.
    • McKenzie Fire Disaster Relief Logistics Building (42870 McKenzie Highway). Residents should enter off Leaburg Drive.
    • Mohawk Community Church (91190 Hill Road)
    • Coiner Park in Cottage Grove (1319 E. Main Street)


    Bring your own shovels and gloves. Please take only what you need so as many people as possible can benefit.

Shelters and Warming Centers

  • Upper McKenzie Community Center (54745 McKenzie River Dr) is a community-led, Red Cross-supported shelter location. 
    • Open 24 hours.
    • Power, water, internet.
    • Cots for those who need.
    • Meals, bottled water and Powerade. 
  •  

    • Road Closures / Limited Access

    County Road Closures

    • None at this time.


    Check www.TripCheck.com for closures on local and state roads and highways. Call 5-1-1 for updates on state highways.

    Staying Safe During and After a Flood

    During a Flood

    • Evacuate immediately, if told to evacuate. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
    • Contact your healthcare provider if you are sick and need medical attention. Wait for further care instructions and shelter in place, if possible. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
    • Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.
    • Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
    • Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
    • Stay inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.
    • Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic - you risk getting trapped by rising floodwater.

    After a Flood

    • Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing and boots during clean up and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris.
    • People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled.
    • Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
    • Be aware that animals may be in your house.
    • Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it is safe to do so.
    • Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
    • Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

    Download FEMA's flood information sheet.

    Food and Well Water Safety After a Power Outage or Flood

    Food Safety


    Your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power.

    After a power outage never taste food to determine its safety. You can’t rely on appearance or odor to determine whether food is safe.
    • Always keep meat, poultry, fish, and eggs refrigerated at or below 40 °F and frozen food at or below 0 °F. This may be difficult when the power is out.
    • Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature.
    • A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed. 
    • Obtain dry or block ice to keep your refrigerator as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for a prolonged period of time.
    • Always discard any items in the refrigerator that have come into contact with raw meat juices.
    • Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of your food right before you cook or eat it. Throw away any food that has a temperature of more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Watch a video on food safety during a power outage.
    • Use FoodSafety.gov food charts to help you decide what to keep and what to toss.

    Private Well Water Safety


    Flooding can contaminate private wells with bacteria or other harmful substances, making the water unsafe to drink. If your well has been flooded:
    • Stay away from the well pump while flooded to avoid electric shock.
    • Boil your water for at least one minute after it reaches a rolling boil, or use an alternative water source.
    • Look for signs of contamination—cloudy or muddy water may indicate your well has been impacted.
    • Get your water tested for coliform bacteria by an approved drinking water lab before using it for drinking or cooking.

    How to disinfect your well after flooding

    The best option is to work with a professional. If one is not available, these steps from the EPA can help. 

    1. Run an outside spigot until the water runs clear.
    2. For many private wells, mixing 4 cups of bleach with 5 gallons of water will be enough to treat 200 gallons of water which yields approximately 50 ppm or 50mg/L
    3. Circulate the bleach by running an outside hose into the well casing until you smell chlorine from the hose.
    4. Turn on all cold water faucets inside until you smell chlorine, then turn them off.
    5. Wait at least 8 hours before using the water.
    6. Flush the system until no chlorine smell remains.
    7. Test your water at least 5 days after disinfection—only use it for drinking or cooking once results confirm it’s safe.
    8. For more detailed guidance, visit https://www.epa.gov/privatewells/what-do-your-private-well-after-flood?


    Other Sources of Lane County Information

     Social Media

    Local Media

    • We regularly send updated information to our local media partners – digital, print, radio – using FlashAlert.

    Information from Cities

     

    Coburg

    Cottage Grove

    Creswell

    Dunes City

    Eugene

    Florence

    Junction City

    Lowell

    Oakridge

    Springfield

    Veneta

    Westfir

    Winter Storm -

    Heavy rain, high winds, possible flooding expected.

    Preparedness Info & Resources Here