Eugene and much of western Oregon are getting soaked as a powerful spring storm moves through, bringing relentless rain, rising rivers, and the threat of flooding. The storm, which kicked off over the weekend, will stick around through midweek, with worsening conditions before we finally get a break later in the week.
Flood Warnings and Evacuation Alerts
As of Monday morning, the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Lane County, including Eugene and Springfield, due to heavy and persistent rainfall. This watch remains in effect through Tuesday morning, with concerns about urban and river flooding as rain continues to fall.
Officials have issued Level 1 ‘Get Ready’ evacuation notices for several areas, including:
- Western Cottage Grove – Residents should have a plan in case they need to evacuate.
- South end of Cottage Grove (RV park) – Water levels are rising, and conditions could change quickly.
- Northeast of Springfield near Mohawk – Keep an eye on alerts in case evacuation orders escalate.
Local authorities are watching the Willamette and McKenzie Rivers closely, as continued rain could push water levels dangerously high in low-lying areas.
Flooded Roads and Rising Risks
Flooding has already started causing problems across the region:
- Urban Flooding in Eugene – Areas near Amazon Creek are seeing water levels rise quickly, creating hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians.
- Road Closures – Several streets and highways are impassable due to high water. Do NOT attempt to drive through flooded roads—it only takes a foot of water to carry away a car.
- Landslide Risks – With the ground completely saturated, small landslides are a real possibility in hilly areas.
What’s Next? The Forecast Through Midweek
This storm isn’t over yet, and more rain is on the way. Here’s what’s in store:
- Monday, March 17 – Cloudy skies with off-and-on showers. Highs around 53°F (12°C), with overnight lows dipping to 38°F (3°C).
- Tuesday, March 18 – Expect more scattered showers throughout the day, with occasional breaks. Highs near 53°F (12°C) and lows around 38°F (3°C).
- Wednesday, March 19 – Heavy rain returns, along with breezy conditions. Expect a high of 52°F (11°C) and overnight lows around 43°F (6°C).
By Thursday, rain chances finally start to fade, though a few stray showers could still pop up into the weekend.
Staying Safe During Flooding
If you live in an area prone to flooding, don’t wait until it’s too late to prepare. Here’s what you should do:
- Stay informed – Check local news, weather alerts, and emergency updates frequently.
- Have an evacuation plan – If you’re in an area under an evacuation notice, pack essentials now and be ready to leave if conditions worsen.
- Never walk or drive through floodwaters – Just six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet, and a foot of water can carry away a vehicle.
- Check on neighbors – Elderly residents and those with mobility challenges may need help preparing or evacuating.
While the worst of the rain should ease up by midweek, we all know Oregon’s spring weather can change fast. Residents should stay alert and be prepared for additional rainfall. The silver lining? A well-deserved break from the rain could arrive by the weekend, bringing drier, more pleasant conditions.
