OEM Activates Emergency Coordination Center Ahead of Atmospheric River
OREGON DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACTIVATES EMERGENCY COORDINATION CENTER TO LEVEL 3 IN RESPONSE TO ATMOSPHERIC RIVER
SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has virtually activated the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) to Level 3 – Regional Response as of 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in response to an incoming atmospheric river expected to bring heavy rainfall, potential flooding, and increased landslide risk across western Oregon. The ECC will be supported with representatives from key state agencies to ensure streamlined communication, coordination, and resource support for impacted communities.
Flood Watch and Landslide Risk Across Western Oregon
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch through Thursday night for multiple counties, including Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill. The heaviest rainfall is expected Thursday and Friday, with conditions shifting south over the weekend. Saturated soils and steep terrain, especially in areas recently affected by wildfires, may lead to landslides and debris flows. This will be accompanied by high wind gusts along the coast, in the coastal mountains and some inland areas.
Stay alert and take precautions: Turn Around, Don’t Drown
Be aware of limbs that may have come loose in the windstorm and be cautious of falling branches. Make sure outdoor furniture and decor is secured.
Listen for unusual sounds such as cracking trees or rumbling rocks.
Watch for sudden changes in water flow or color.
Travel cautiously, especially at night. Assume roads may be compromised.
Do NOT drive or walk through flood waters. There are unseen hazards like open storm drains and metal debris, and cars can be swept away in even a few inches of water.
Understand the additional burn scar risks.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office urges you to be careful using alternative power sources during power outages.
Stay Informed OEM also reminds Oregonians to prepare for future flooding and landslide risks:
Sign up for emergency alerts at ORAlert.gov and ensure Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on mobile devices.
Stay alert to changing conditions. Monitor weather updates via radio, TV, or weather.gov/pqr.
Create and review your evacuation plan and understand the evacuation levels (1. Be Ready, 2. Be Set, 3. GO NOW!).
Stay informed through trusted sources like local emergency managers, county sheriffs’ offices, and public land agencies.
Check road conditions at TripCheck.com or by calling 511.
Check out OEM’s Real-time Assessment and Planning Tool for Oregon (RAPTOR) and GIS to see up to the minute hazard updates.
See flooding inundation maps for your area on the NOAA website.
Stay Connected
Sign up to receive the latest updates from OEM and explore preparedness tips, including how to Be 2 Weeks Ready for any disaster, at Oregon.gov/OEM.
Article by Oregon Department of Emergency Management.
Cover image: Oregon Department of Transportation, Flickr
