A series of storms during the Christmas holiday 60 years ago this month and spilling into the New Year led to widespread flooding in parts of Oregon, Idaho, Washington Nevada and Northern California in 1964.
The historic event was driven by a succession of storms that produced as much as 15 inches of rain in 24 hours at some locations, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The combination of heavy rain, melting snow, and frozen ground caused extreme runoff, erosion and flooding throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Agencies consider a Dec. 10 storm to be the anniversary of the flood, but at least three other severe weather events added to the disaster over a two-month period.
Communities along the Willamette River and its tributaries were particularly impacted. At least 17 people were killed and thousands were forced to flee the rising waters. Homes were flooded, roadways were washed away or covered by landslides and bridges were damaged.
Oregon Gov. Mark Hatfield declared a State of Emergency on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 1964.