Flash flood watch issued for Cascade burn areas Aug. 17

from the National Weather Service

With heavy rainfall expected over Lane County Cascade burn areas Saturday, the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch from 2 p.m. Aug. 17 through 2 a.m. Sunday Aug. 18.

National Weather Service meteorologists are forecasting heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding and debris flows over recent burn areas in the Cascades. Hourly rainfall rates up to 0.75 inches per hour will be possible.

In addition to the Cascades of Lane County, the watch applies to Cascades of Marion and Linn Counties, and to the Cascades in North Oregon and South Washington.

Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding of low-lying areas, urbanized street flooding, and debris flows in and near recent wildfire burn scars.

The greatest concern remains over the 2024 burn areas associated with active wildfires, but there is also a small probability that rainfall rates could approach threshold values over burn areas from previous years.

Residents near the 2024 burn areas associated with active wildfires should prepare for potential flooding impacts. Be sure to stay up to date with information from local authorities.

For more information, see http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood.