Several communities in Clackamas County were placed under evacuation orders overnight as rivers rose to dangerous levels following a powerful atmospheric river event. County officials said flooding worsened quickly, pushing some waterways into major flood stage and forcing residents in multiple areas to leave their homes.
The most urgent notices were Level 3 evacuation orders, meaning “Go now.” Officials also warned that other neighborhoods were placed under Level 2 and Level 1 notices, and residents there should be ready to move with little warning.
This situation is changing fast. If you live anywhere near the Clackamas River, the Molalla River, or nearby low-lying areas, check official alerts often and follow directions from local emergency officials.
Source note: This article is a summary and local safety explainer based on reporting by The Oregonian/OregonLive.
Why this is happening: rivers hit major flood stage
Clackamas County officials say rivers in the area rose rapidly after an atmospheric river pushed heavy rain through the region. When soils are already saturated and rain falls hard for hours, creeks and rivers can jump their banks with little warning.
According to the report, rivers including the Clackamas and the Molalla breached their banks in some areas. That can lead to fast-moving water across roads, flooding in neighborhoods near the river, and dangerous conditions that make travel risky, especially in the dark.
Even if rainfall slows, flooding can continue. Rivers often crest later than the peak rainfall, and water can keep rising downstream.
Level 3 evacuations: areas told to “Go now”
Officials issued Level 3 (go now) notices overnight for several areas. If you are in or near any of the locations below, treat the order seriously and follow local instructions right away.
- South Pioneer Crossing Road north and south of Feldheimer Road along the Clackamas River
- Creekside Lane off Eagle Creek Road in unincorporated Clackamas County
- Low-lying areas of Tranquility Lane between South Bakers Ferry Road and the Clackamas River, beginning at 20600 S Tranquility Lane
- Paradise Point along the Clackamas River, including areas along SE Paradise Road, Alder Street, and SE Starr Road to its end
- Carver Mobile Home Ranch
- Dickie Prairie Road from 34501 to 36004 along the Molalla River
- Shady Dell Road and Fawn Lane along the Molalla River
County officials said several other areas were placed under Level 2 and Level 1 notices. These levels mean you may not have to leave immediately, but you should prepare to move quickly if conditions worsen.
What Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 mean
Evacuation levels are meant to be simple, fast, and clear. If you are new to Oregon’s evacuation system, here is a plain-language breakdown:
- Level 1 (Be Ready): Stay alert. Monitor updates. Gather essentials. You may need to leave with little notice.
- Level 2 (Be Set): Be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Consider leaving early if you need extra time or have special needs.
- Level 3 (Go Now): Leave immediately. Do not wait. Conditions may be dangerous and access routes can close quickly.
During flood events, waiting too long can trap drivers behind road closures or put them in contact with moving water. If officials say “go now,” the safest move is to go.
Shelter information (and pets)
Residents who need a safe place to go can seek shelter at:
Clackamas Community College
Gregory Forum
19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City
The shelter is open at all hours, and pets and service animals are welcome, according to the report. If you are evacuating with pets, bring a leash or carrier if possible, plus food and any medications.
Flood safety reminders (especially overnight)
Flooding creates risks that are easy to underestimate, especially in the dark. Here are practical steps to stay safe:
- Do not drive through water. It can hide a washed-out road or strong current. Turn around and find another route.
- Charge your phone and keep a battery backup. Power outages can happen during storms.
- Pack a quick “go bag.” Include medications, warm clothes, ID, chargers, basic toiletries, and important documents.
- Leave early if you need more time. Families with kids, seniors, or mobility needs often do better by moving before roads get crowded or closed.
- Stay off riverbanks. Flooded rivers can erode banks fast, and the ground can collapse without warning.
- Check on neighbors if it is safe. Some people may not receive alerts or may need help understanding evacuation levels.
If you have time before you leave, unplug small electronics and move valuables to higher ground. But do not delay evacuation to protect property. People come first.
Where to get official updates
For current evacuation notices and updates, Clackamas County directs residents to:
If you live in the area, consider bookmarking that page and checking it several times a day during major weather events. If conditions shift, evacuation levels can change quickly.
Clackamas County rivers rose to dangerous levels overnight after heavy rain, prompting Level 3 evacuation orders for multiple communities near the Clackamas and Molalla rivers. With flooding ongoing, residents should monitor official alerts, follow evacuation instructions, and avoid traveling through standing or moving water.
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