Mother nature threatens homes along the Chetco River in Brookings bringing heavy rainfall and vast flooding to Oregon’s coast.
The Chetco River looked more like an ocean as river levels continued to rise this afternoon. Local residents braced for the worst.
“I’m seeing the worst flooding I have ever seen. I’ve lived here for twenty years and this is the worst. Back in 1964 it flooded all the way up to the counter tops in my kitchen,” said Brookings resident Richard Cosgrove.
Residents worked throughout the afternoon trying to salvage items they could. One resident we spoke with was attempting to remove his trailer from a flooded ditch. His home was already several inches under water.
“We have been here for two years and this is the highest level we have ever seen. It’s only ever come up to the top of the river bank before,” said Chuck Gehner.
Around noon, the manager of Riverside Rv Resort held a meeting where she informed her residents of evacuation plans. Several residents chose to seek shelter at the local Fred Meyer while others decided to stick it out.
“Lots of people are staying, I think there is one individual who has left or who is planning on leaving,” said Riverside RV resident Wally Gorski.
Hide tide will bring even higher river levels for this coastal town, and more rain is expected in the days to come.
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