“We ran out of road closed signs,” said Tillamook County Public Works director Chris Laity, as he relayed road closures to the county emergency cooridnation team during the morning briefing on December 9, 2025.
The 24 hour rainfall totals were impressive with Pacific City topping the list at 6.02″, North Tillamook County/Nehalem came in at 5.38″ and Tillamook at 4.27″. Another 1.5″ to 2″ is predicted through today, and the rain has been light, which has brought the rivers back down. Highway 101 (North Main) from Fred Meyer to Rosenberg’s remains closed tonight, with the detour using Latimer Road and Wilson River Loop. Wilson River Loop now has both lanes open. There are still isolated spots of flooding and various road closures.
Tillamook County Emergency Manager Randy Thorpe praised tne National Weather Service hydrology predictions as being “spot on” which helped local first responders to know when the river would reach peak levels, and fortunately stayed in the minor to moderate categories.
December historical brings some of our most devastating storms and flooding. 2025 will certainly make the record books but all the public works teams, first responders, road crews and community organizations agreed that this was a “normal” flood situation and the county and cities were well-preapared. Many/most crews were out all night December 8th through December 9th, unclogging culverts, evacuating RV Parks, clearing debris and trees. Our “good news” award goes to all those crews that are going out at all hours to keep our roads clear and safe. Thank you!
Photos by Don Backman & Drone photos by Devi San Martin; Photos from first responders
