The Marys River near Philomath reached flood stage at 8:30 p.m. Sunday and crested at 20.37 feet overnight, according to reported observations from the National Weather Service.
A flood warning remains in effect until late this afternoon and the NWS reports that the river is expected to fall below flood stage later today.
Flood stage on the Marys River is considered to be 20 feet. The NWS advises that residents should expect low land and agricultural flooding with numerous roads along the river affected. Some structures near the river begin to flood.
As of 7:30 a.m., the South 13th Street and Chapel Drive vicinity near Grange Hall Road appeared to be clear with flooding limited to off-road areas. If the river does continue to rise and reaches 20.5 feet, this area in the past has become an issue.
The city of Philomath released an advisory late Sunday with tips to stay safe:
• Don’t walk, swim, or drive through flood water.
• Don’t play in or around flood water.
• Be prepared with emergency supplies.
City crews place road signs in flooded areas, as needed. City officials are asking the public to please obey any signage.
The Benton County Emergency Management has more information on its website. For the latest observed and forecasted stages on the Marys River, go to the NWS website.
