Just before 9 p.m. on Saturday night Mayor Doug Olerud announced residents who live on the hillside above town should prepare for a possible evacuation order.

“Based on weather forecasts and geological information gathered to date, the area from Piedad east to Picture Point is an area of concern. It is advised that you be on alert for potential evacuation,” he said.

Olerud told residents in the affected area to pack essential belongings and bedding and be prepared to evacuate quickly.

Heavy precipitation with snow that is forecast to change to rain over the next 36 hours means there is a high risk for saturated soil and landslides.

Previous landslide areas may grow or new slides may occur. Residents should be aware of steep terrain above them as heavy precipitation continues.

Beach Road and Cathedral View Road evacuation orders remain in effect. Olerud said the Emergency Operations Center staff will be gathering field data all night.

Important conditions to monitor:
‐ Creek water that becomes more brown / dirty over time
‐ Pooling water on the ground
‐ Cracking drywall or shifting walls in homes
‐ Cracks in land or pavement/driveways
‐ Ground movement of any kind
‐ Trees tipping or falling over
‐ Overflowing wells
‐ Wet basements
‐ Clogged culverts
‐ Water and/or debris washing across roadways

What can you do?

  • Listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. Moving landslides are often compared to the sound and feel of a passing freight train.
  • If you hear these sounds, getting out of the path of a landslide or debris flow is your best protection.
  • Likewise, if you are near the beach and see unusual changes in water level or any nearby slope, move to higher ground in a direction away from any visible landslide movement.
  • If escape is not possible, move to a second story room or to the downslope side of the house and curl into a tight ball and protect your head. Choose an area where you are not in danger of being pinned or crushed by furniture. In one‐story homes, moving up on top of furniture or countertops can protect you from suffocation or being swept away. Unfurnished areas, such as closets, interior hallways, or bathrooms may provide additional protection.
  • Opening downhill doors and windows may help rushing debris flow through the house, thus reducing the buildup of debris which can lead to burial, suffocation, or ripping apart the structure.