Salem-News.com Flood articles Page 1

Study Analyzes Potential for Private Insurance Companies to Offer Flood Insurance

Prices charged by private insurers could be lower than current prices charged by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

(PHILADELPHIA) - The Wharton Risk Management and Decision Processes Center at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania released a study today that analyzes the role private insurance companies could play in offering residential flood insurance.

The year 2011 was the most costly year for natural disasters worldwide ($350 billion); in the U.S. alone, there were nearly 100 Presidential disaster declarations, two-thirds of which were from hurricanes and floods.

Rivers Pass Flood Levels in Oregon

Includes video from Brightwood where logs are battering the local river bridge...

(BRIGHTWOOD, Ore.) - Residents near the Sandy River are frantically filling sandbags in an effort to save their properties from rising flood waters. Gary Randall with Precision Artists says there are reports that Lolo Pass has washed out, reminding us that this is not the first time.

"What it means is that those that didn’t get out prior are now stranded unless they want to hike out. This happens up here every few years and is always exciting."

Roads Closed by Slides in Oregon Coast Range (VIDEOS)

Good weather should aid Oregon highway crews dispatched to clear the areas.

(TILLAMOOK, Ore.) - A mud slide has closed Oregon 6, the Wilson River Highway, at mile post 15. Crews are responding and working to clear the scene, according to Adam Torgerson with the Oregon Department of Transportation.

"Crews will continue to work from both sides of the slide area and hope to have at least one lane cleared today. Depending on the condition of the underlying road, crews will determine whether or not further repairs are needed before traffic can safely travel through the area," Torgerson said.

U.S. 101 remains closed from mile post 23 - 24, between its junction with U.S. 26 and Seaside, because standing water is creating a safety concern. Torgerson told Salem-News it is an idea the agency watches closely during periods of adverse weather.