Emergency Evacuations Ordered in Flood-Hit Oregon County
Emergency officials in Clackamas County, located just south of Portland, have issued urgent evacuation directives affecting thousands of residents. The Level 3 "Go Now!" order was implemented as the Clackamas River overflowed its banks, creating dangerous conditions.
This evacuation level represents the most critical warning used by U.S. emergency response agencies, indicating immediate danger to life and property.
Rapid River Rise Creates Critical Situation
In Estacada, Oregon, the Clackamas River experienced a dramatic increase of nearly 12 feet between Thursday afternoon and early Friday morning. The water level transitioned from minor to major flood stage in under five hours, catching many residents by surprise.
Firefighter Dallas Oja told Portland's KATU-TV: "They realized this morning when they woke, started to get it up, that there was water around their tents, and one of their tents floated away."
Evacuation alerts for areas along the river warned: "There is extreme danger in your area and you should evacuate now. Leave immediately, it is unsafe for you to stay in the area. Your life could be in great danger. Do not stop to gather your belongings or protect your home. Follow your emergency plan. Leave as fast and as safely as possible."
Widespread Flooding Across Pacific Northwest
Approximately 8 million residents across California, Oregon, and Washington remained under flood watches on Friday. The severe weather results from multiple atmospheric river systems that have impacted the region over recent days.
KATU-TV journalists observed rescue operations in Canby, where three individuals living beneath an overpass were saved from rising waters.
The Portland National Weather Service Office cautioned: "Flood potential remains high today even though much less rain is forecast. Many area rivers and streams are rising this morning, and slow-responding rivers could see rises into Saturday afternoon. With the saturated soils and high rivers and creeks, any additional rain will slow receding of the water and continue the potential for flooding."
Expanding Weather Threats
Weather Prediction Center data indicates over 6 million people in Northern California face marginal risk of excessive rainfall capable of causing flash flooding. By Sunday, this number is projected to exceed 14 million across the broader region.
Climate researchers note that atmospheric rivers—described by Climate Central as "ribbons of moisture carried by strong winds in the lower atmosphere"—are intensifying due to planetary warming.
"Climate change can create conditions that make extremes more likely or more intense," Climate Central researchers explained. "More moisture in warmer air can boost total atmospheric river precipitation. Research suggests that this thermodynamic relationship could drive future increases in total precipitation during atmospheric river storms in California."
Flood watches remain active through Saturday afternoon for Portland and surrounding communities as the region continues to experience the impacts of these powerful weather systems.
