CORVALLIS, Ore. (KMTR) -- Heavy rains continue to bring problems for residents and businesses in Corvallis as the city and surrounding county is not only dealing with high water, but emergency crews are preparing for more hazards Friday night.
Nearly 20 roads in Corvallis and Benton County were closed Friday night, January 20th, 2012, while another 30 have high water but are considered passable.
One of the most notable problem areas for high water was along SE 3rd Street in Corvallis, or Highway 99. Thursday night, the road was closed, cutting off downtown Corvallis from south town.
The waters affected residents and businesses, including Iovino’s, a longtime Corvallis Italian restaurant. The restaurant has a location for customers in downtown and a catering facility in south town. Last night and early Friday morning, the road closure cut off access between the two, turning a normal 5 minute commute to a 45 minute detour.
Next door, a Dutch Bros. coffee stand closed early Thursday and opened late Friday morning because of flood waters.
“Just kind of inhibits things when you can't drive to and from. Regina next door, can't carry her catering stuff to and from, and deliveries have been delayed,” said Jimmy Bechtel, a Dutch Bros.s barista.
“It's definitely affected us because the whole road was closed, so no one was.. We didn't have our usual morning to and from traffic,” said Bechtel.
“When you're trying to transfer food and things back and forth, you know, we had enough food down there to feed the town, but we're glad we're able to come back in today and do it all over again,” said Regina Iovino, owner of Iovino’s Restaurant.
Emergency crews are preparing for anything and everything now as the water begins to recede, but the winds are expected to pick up Friday evening.
The latest word from Corvallis Police is for people to be prepared for downed trees with 40 mph wind gusts expected Friday night.
Corvallis and Benton County residents who spot downed trees should call 541-766-6120. Do not call 9-1-1 to report downed trees unless the tree is threatening someone’s life and safety.
To report power outages in Benton County, Consumers Power Inc. customers can call 541-929-3124. Pacific Power customers can call 1-877-508-5088.
Corvallis Police say residents should be prepared for outages to occur on Friday night and should keep a five day supply of water and non-perishable food items that lightweight, nutritional and easy to cook with little to no water. Prep kits should include flashlights, light sticks, candles, extra batteries and battery powered radios.
If you’re traveling in Benton County, residents should check for road closures too.
For a complete list of road closures in Benton County, click the following link: http://www.co.benton.or.us/pw/index.php.
For a complete list of road closures in the city of Corvallis, click the following link:
http://www.ci.corvallis.or.us/hazards.
