Photos by Tim Hirsch

Atmospheric river conditions and accompanying wind, rain and rising tides created travel challenges, Dec. 8-11, at various locations along the Nestucca River in Pacific City. Particularly at high tide — but not necessarily exclusively — motorists were faced with finding alternate routes around the flooded roadways near South Tillamook County Library. As well, Tillamook County officials closed Resort Drive starting at the beginning of the week. Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District Fire Chief Jim Oeder told the Sun that while there were no major incidents, they spent a lot of time making sure all were safe — including responding to a call for help at Neskowin Creek RV Park in the early morning hours of Dec. 8. However, thanks to tides going back out and the waters receding, the situation was quickly accessed, and Oeder said he wrapped it up within 10 mintues — including alerting his enroute CERT responders. Still, he said it was a valuable exercise for him and his team’s readiness for future responses. He also urged residents patience with road closures like the one on Resort Drive. He noted that even at low tide, some dangers still loom —  such as storm debris on the road, which can cause accidents. Plus, he said, the threat of low points on the road can present a risk to drivers because the river’s fast-moving currents can crest over the roadway when one least expects it.