Portland, Oregon. (coyne)—it’s almost a rite of passage for those in the Pacific Northwest—getting behind the wheel for the first time in our notorious weather.
“This was her first time driving in the rain,” Gilbert said. He was preparing to teach his daughter how to drive in the rain.
“I’m just a little worried [about] That, you know, thank God. It’s not down like it was earlier in the day,” he said.
Multinational corporate budget cut proposals threaten prison capacity
Rockfall on I-5 SB causing delays in Portland. February 23, 2026 (ODOT).
Rockfall on I-5 SB causing delays in Portland. February 23, 2026 (ODOT).
This is a perfect day to do this as dozens of people have been affected by atmospheric rivers in many areas across the state.
In South Portland, traffic nearly came to a standstill for a while. Rockfall hits Interstate 5. Oregon Department of Transportation spokesman David House said at least two vehicles were affected.
“We normally have netting on the slopes to control the rockfall, but there are a little more than usual,” House said.
School bus collides with SUV, 2 injured
A landslide occurred on North Fork Road in Marion County after an atmospheric river impacted Oregon. February 23, 2026 (Courtesy Marion County Sheriff’s Office).
A landslide occurred on North Folk Road in Marion County after an atmospheric river impacted Oregon. February 23, 2026 (Courtesy Marion County Sheriff’s Office).
Further south, in Marion County, the Sheriff’s Office responded to a landslide on North Fork Road.
Even as far south as Eugene, busy areas like the Amazon River were affected by severe flooding. The city is asking walkers and bicyclists to avoid the water.
House said it’s a pretty typical winter routine for them and the weather isn’t as bad as what the area has seen in December.
Protest frogs head to Washington ahead of Trump speech
The Amazon River in Eugene floods after atmospheric rivers. February 23, 2026 (Courtesy of Eugene Transportation Department).
The Amazon River in Eugene floods after atmospheric rivers. February 23, 2026 (Courtesy of Eugene Transportation Department).
“We did see a lot of people spitting and getting stuck throughout the weekend, particularly in the Government Camp area on the 26th, as our staff noticed some people were not chained up or carrying tractor tires and using them,” House said.
Also on Monday, the Oregon Senate passed a bill to include a gas tax in the May primary, which could be key to helping close ODOT’s $240 million budget gap. Lawmakers say the funds are needed to keep road crews employed. The bill now goes to the Oregon House of Representatives.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
