Wind, rain possibility of flood pouring through Gorge; HR schools closed; emergency declared
Run off is adding to the flow of Mill Creek in The Dalles as two inches of rain is predicted for the area in the next 24 hours.
By CCCNews Staff
The Dalles, Ore., Dec. 18, 2025 — Hood River County school officials ordered an emergency early release for all schools Thursday as continuing rain, rising rivers and strong winds prompted county leaders to declare an emergency ahead of forecast flooding in the Columbia River Gorge.
All Hood River County School District schools dismissed students early Thursday, Dec. 18, to ensure students and staff were able to return home safely before conditions worsened. High schools dismissed at 11 a.m., middle schools at 11:15 a.m. and elementary schools at noon. All after-school programs, sports practices and evening activities were canceled. School buses operated on snow routes, and families were encouraged to pick up students when possible to reduce transit delays.
Hood River County declared a local state of emergency today in anticipation of ongoing and forecast weather conditions expected to bring heavy rainfall through Thursday evening and into Friday morning, increasing the risk of moderate to major flooding in low-lying areas across the county.
A flood warning is in effect for the the Hood River.
Residents and business owners in low-lying areas were warned that creeks, streams and rivers are expected to rise and were encouraged to closely monitor designated flood zones. Hood River County officials said information will be shared as conditions evolve and urged the public to sign up for county emergency alerts and follow Hood River County’s website and social media channels for updates.
The emergency declaration came as the National Weather Service warned of ongoing rain, gusty winds and elevated flood risks across the Gorge through Friday, Dec. 19, affecting communities including Cascade Locks, Stevenson, White Salmon, Hood River, The Dalles and Goldendale.
28-year-old Teresa Zortman braved the heavy slushy rains this morning in East The Dalles with her trusty partner Schatzi, a Border-Colli mix who loves his exercise. Zortman, who moved to the area two years ago from Montana, said she was not going to let the weather keep her from her daily walk.
In Wasco County, the Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency following a severe windstorm late Tuesday night, Dec. 16, citing significant structural damage and threats to public safety. The storm caused major damage to the Adventist Health’s Water’s Edge building near The Dalles bridge, a primary healthcare hub serving the region, disrupting care for more than 150 patients daily.
Wasco County officials also reported widespread utility outages affecting more than 200 customers, downed power lines and numerous road closures due to fallen trees and debris, limiting travel and emergency response. The county has requested a gubernatorial emergency declaration to secure state assistance and expedite repairs to critical infrastructure.
Forecasters said a moisture-rich storm system continued to bring periods of steady rain to the region Thursday, with additional rainfall expected into Friday. Saturated ground conditions raised concerns for urban flooding, small stream overflow and rising rivers, particularly in western portions of the Gorge.
The National Weather Service in Pendleton has issued a storm warning for the Columbia River Gorge until 1 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 19. The forecast called for southwest winds gusting 30 to 40 mph, with peak gusts approaching 55 mph today, driven by the same storm system impacting much of the Pacific Northwest.
Standing water on Third Street in The Dalles was making for some fun puddle crashing this morning in The Dalles.
Wind remained a secondary concern elsewhere in the Gorge, with gusty conditions expected through Thursday night and into Friday, particularly in exposed corridors and higher elevations. Officials cautioned that falling limbs, debris and ponding water could create hazardous travel conditions.
Local emergency managers urged residents to monitor conditions closely, avoid driving through flooded roadways and be prepared for rapidly changing weather. Parents were reminded to ensure students arriving home early Thursday had proper supervision in place as the storm continued to impact the region.
