Umatilla County recovering from flooding, Feb. 11

ODOT release -What’s Happened So Far? On Thursday Feb. 6, a combination of heavy rain and snow melt caused by warm temperatures brought flooding to many areas of Umatilla County. Since flooding started, the Oregon Army National Guard used helicopters to rescue 54 people, 10 dogs, one cat and one rabbit stranded by the flood.  One woman was killed when high water swept through her property near the Bar M Ranch, the only reported fatality in the flooding. High water and road damage closed Interstate 84 in both directions Friday Feb. 7 between Exits 182 and 188. Crews worked through the night and opened one lane in each direction late Sunday night, Feb. 9. What’s Happening on Monday? Weather is expected be cool and dry with no new flood threats. A web site has been set up for homeowners, renters and businesses to report damage to their property: https://tinyurl.com/w4838tq. This information will be used by the county to capture impacts of the flood to request support from the state and federal government. The search and rescue operation will transition to an assessment process to determine the extent of the damage. Umatilla County crews will evaluate roads and the damage to county equipment. ODOT will continue working on I-84 but there is no timeline for reopening the second eastbound and westbound lanes. ODOT will continue to inspect and repair roads and structures and assess potential damage. OR 204, the Tollgate Highway, remains closed between milepost 26.7, Andes Prairie, and 37.4 at Summerville Road. Umatilla County crews will inspect and assess damage to Walla Walla River Road and Mill Creek Road. What Happens Next? Crews will continue recovery efforts throughout the area, including damage assessment and planning/constructing repairs.  ODOT will announce updates regarding opening the second eastbound and westbound lanes of I-84 and the closed section of OR 204.