Atmospheric river brings rain, wind to High Desert; City of Sisters warns of Whychus Creek flood threat, offers sandbags
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The latest in a string of atmospheric rivers to sweep into the Northwest brought more rain and wind to the High Desert Thursday, sending high water across some Bend streets and raising flooding concerns along Whychus Creek in Sisters.
KTVZ News issued a Local Alert Weather Day for Thursday into Friday morning as moderate to heavy rain prompts flood concerns around the region.
KTVZ Meteorologist Shannon Brady said one to two inches of rain are expected for the Highway 97 corridor, but could exceed that in the Sisters and Sunriver areas and western Jefferson County.
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch across the area through late Friday night, as forecasters warned of 2-4 inches of rain and over a foot of snow at higher elevations that could send small creek and streams flowing out of the Cascades over their banks.
A wind advisory also was issued for the region, from 10 a.m. Thursday to 1 a.m. Friday, with forecasters expecting southwest to west winds 20-30 mph and possible gusts of 45-55 mph.
Mt. Bachelor received another three inches of snow overnight, but it was followed by above-freezing temperatures that turned the snow to rain. Another cold turn is expected to bring lots of snow into the weekend.
Announcement Thursday from the city of Sisters:
Potential For Increased Water Levels Along Whychus Creek
The City of Sisters is advising residents to be aware of the potential for increased water levels and localized flooding along Whychus Creek this week. Rainfall today, with showers continuing through Friday, may contribute to rising creek levels, particularly where soils are already saturated or when snow-covered slopes upstream experience runoff.
While major, widespread flooding of Whychus Creek is uncommon, these conditions can cause water levels to rise quickly and may impact low-lying areas and infrastructure along the creek. Local conditions can change rapidly during storm events.
Residents living near Whychus Creek are encouraged to closely monitor creek flow levels and stay informed by checking forecasts and advisories issued by the National Weather Service over the coming days.
To help residents prepare, sandbags will be available behind City Hall on Main Avenue beginning Thursday, December 18.
Community members are encouraged to bring their own shovels and be prepared to fill and transport sandbags as needed to help protect homes and property along Whychus Creek. Sandbags will be available starting Wednesday and continue while supplies last.
The City of Sisters appreciates the community’s cooperation and preparedness and will continue to share updates as conditions evolve.
For additional information and updates, residents should monitor official City communications and National Weather Service advisories.
Much of the state, especially Northwest Oregon, also were dealing with flooding threats and rain or snow.
In Eastern Oregon, ODOT said Interstate 84 eastbound was closed between La Grande and Baker City, milepost 265 to 304 Thursday morning due to several spun out semi-trucks. It was later extended to between Pendleton at milepost 216 and Baker City, milepost 304.
"Winter weather is occurring throughout the area," they said, advising motorists to follow chain restrictions where posted. Follow traffic updates at www.tripcheck.com.
