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(Dec. 8, 2025) The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) warns the traveling public to be prepared for heavy rain that could create hazardous traveling conditions tonight through Wednesday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has advised PBOT that rainstorms could bring 4.65 inches of precipitation through Wednesday morning, with a low chance of higher totals of more than 7.5 inches.
Over the weekend through Monday, PBOT crews cleared large storm drains that have a history of flooding and restocked two sandbag locations available to the public.
PBOT will have extra crews working overnight and before dawn Tuesday, available to clear clogged storm drains, and to place road-closed barricades as needed. Crews cleared more than 30 storm drains Monday morning that were reported by the public and cleared others that PBOT staff had identified. High water signs were placed at a few locations that have flooded in the past.
Heaviest rain Tuesday morning
The period of heaviest rain is forecast to bring 0.25 inches or more per hour across the Portland-Vancouver metro area between 1 and 9 a.m. on Tuesday, with probabilities even higher at the coast, coastal mountains, and in the Cascades. This will impact the Tuesday morning commute as the risk of car crashes increases due to hydroplaning or driving through flooded roads.
A flood watch has been issued through Wednesday.
Wind gusts up to 35 mph are expected, daily through Wednesday. Coming after a period of heavy rain, winds in that range could produce downed trees and power lines.
Johnson Creek in SE Portland is forecast to reach minor flood stage by 10 a.m. on Tuesday, according to a NWS gauge.
Expect creeks to overflow their banks, an increase of debris on roads, and some flooded roadways, especially where leaves and debris clog storm drains. If hourly rain rates reach 0.25-0.5 inches/hour or more for 3-4 consecutive hours or more, urban flooding significant enough to result in stranded vehicles in low-lying areas with poor drainage will become likely. Homes and buildings with a history of flooding may see flooding with this event.
Tips for rainy travel and safety
- Plan ahead and use caution. See rainy weather travel tips from PBOT for people driving, walking, or biking.
- PBOT makes sand and sandbags available FREE to anyone who needs them to protect their property from flood damage. Bring your own shovel. There are no shovels at the two sandbag locations in Lents Park and Gabriel Park.
- Report tree hazards. Call Urban Forestry at 503-823-TREE (8733) to report a street or park tree emergency. Emergency dispatchers are available 24/7.
- See more tips on flood safety for residents and businesses in Portland.
- Report road hazards. Call PBOT Maintenance Dispatch 24/7 at 503-823-1700 for any emergency hazards or if a storm drain is still clogged after removing surface debris.
Reporting landslides
The duration of the heavy rain, coming after weeks of wet weather, create conditions that could lead to landslides.
If you live in an area known to experience landslides, be alert, particularly during periods of heavy rain. Keep ditches, culverts, and trash racks clear of debris so stormwater has somewhere to go.
If you see the signs of a landslide that threatens public safety, evacuate immediately, then call 9-1-1 when it is safe to do so.
For landslides blocking streets or sidewalks that are not an immediate threat to public safety, call PBOT Maintenance Dispatch 24/7 at 503-823-1700. Interpretation available.
For landslides on private property that don’t threaten public safety or public right-of-way, call Portland Permitting & Development at 503-823-2633. Interpretation available.
Adopt a Storm Drain
PBOT asks the traveling public, residents and businesses to take steps to reduce hazards associated with these conditions. The best way to prevent streets from flooding is for everyone to help keep Portland’s 58,000 storm drains clear before a storm arrives. Use a rake, shovel or broom and clear by standing in the sidewalk, not the street. Be aware of passing vehicles and check the drain again during and after a storm. It’s also a good idea to clear inlets that lead stormwater to the green street planters in city streets.
See more tips on how you can help your neighbors if you Adopt a Storm Drain near you.
Heavy rain over a short period of time could overwhelm the city’s stormwater system and cause flooding, even in areas with clear storm drains. Heavy rain also can also vary significantly from one neighborhood to another within the city, so expect varying conditions throughout Portland and the metropolitan area.
For weeks, PBOT’s street sweeping and Leaf Day service have cleared leaves and other debris in preparation for fall and winter rainstorms.
PBOT is the City of Portland’s lead on response to a variety of emergencies, including floods.
Learn how you can be prepared for heavy rain, snow, ice or other severe weather that affect transportation at the PBOT website for weather emergency response.
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The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the city’s transportation system and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage, and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility.
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