PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Officials are warning there’s a risk of flooding and landslides across the region when snow begins melting following the severe winter weather earlier in the week.
In a Twitter post, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office shared a photo of a 6-foot by 5-foot sinkhole on Sauvie Island. County road crews are responding to the area.
A flood watch is in effect from Thursday to Friday in Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington.
The National Weather Service is warning everyone about potential flooding as heavy rain and even more snow are expected throughout Wednesday. Additionally, snow is expected to begin melting over the next 24-48 hours.
According to the NWS, the main flooding concerns are rivers near the Oregon Coast and Willapa Hills, however, rivers and creeks are expected to flood in the Cascades as well.
Marion County has nearly half a dozen sandbag sites prepared for possible flooding.
A winter storm warning is still in place across the Cascades.
Despite most major roadways reopening Tuesday, U.S. 20 is closed in both directions from Santiam Junction at milepost 75 to Camp Sherman Road at milepost 91. The Oregon Department of Transportation said several vehicles have spun out due to lingering snow.
Oregon 334 near Athena in Umatilla County is also closed.