**BREAKING NEWS: Sherwood Under Mandatory Evacuation Order Due to Impending Flood**

*Sherwood, Oregon* — In an urgent and developing situation, the city of Sherwood, Oregon, is under a mandatory evacuation order due to an impending flood threat. Local authorities issued the evacuation order late this afternoon, advising residents in the affected areas to leave their homes immediately as heavy rainfall, rising river levels, and compromised levees combine to create a serious flood risk. The order has been implemented as a precautionary measure to protect lives, and residents are urged to heed the warning to avoid potential tragedy.

Sherwood, a suburban community located southwest of Portland, is situated near the Tualatin River and is vulnerable to flooding when significant rainfall causes the river to swell. In recent days, the region has experienced continuous rain, leading to heightened concerns about the river’s ability to contain the water levels. Emergency responders are working tirelessly to prepare for potential inundation, with floodwaters expected to impact homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

**The Situation Unfolds:**

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flood watch for the area on Monday, warning that heavy rainfall could push the Tualatin River and its tributaries to levels capable of overflowing. By Wednesday morning, the situation took a turn for the worse as river gauges showed alarming rises in water levels, prompting local officials to activate their emergency response protocols. As the rain continues to fall, predictions suggest the river may exceed flood stage by several feet within the next 24 hours.

Sherwood’s emergency management team, along with state and federal agencies, is coordinating efforts to address the situation. The city has deployed sandbag stations, urged residents to move to higher ground, and activated the emergency operations center to coordinate resources. The floodwaters could submerge low-lying areas near the river, and emergency workers are concerned about widespread power outages, transportation disruptions, and damage to buildings in the affected zones.

**Mandatory Evacuation:**

Sherwood’s Mayor, Erica Thomas, addressed the public earlier today, stressing the seriousness of the situation. “This is a precautionary measure, but we must act now to keep our residents safe,” she said during a press conference. “The flood risks are real, and we cannot afford to take any chances. We are advising all residents in the flood-prone areas to evacuate immediately.”

Residents in the mandatory evacuation zones are being urged to leave their homes and seek shelter in nearby emergency shelters set up by the city. Local schools, community centers, and churches have been converted into temporary shelters to accommodate those who need assistance. Law enforcement and search and rescue teams are on standby to help residents who require aid in leaving their homes.

The mandatory evacuation order affects several neighborhoods, particularly those along the Tualatin River and areas near the lower elevations of the city. The following neighborhoods are included in the order:

– **Tualatin Riverfront:** Located near the river’s edge, this area is most at risk due to its proximity to rising water levels.
– **Old Town Sherwood:** The historical district of Sherwood is also under evacuation orders, as flooding could damage its older infrastructure.
– **Rivercrest Drive and Southwest 2nd Avenue:** Both of these streets, which run along the floodplain, are expected to be impacted by rising waters.
– **Westwood and Maplebrook subdivisions:** These residential areas, located in the low-lying parts of the city, are also part of the evacuation zone.

Sherwood residents who live outside the evacuation zones are being asked to stay informed through local media and official social media channels. Authorities are advising non-evacuated residents to prepare their homes for potential disruptions, such as power outages, by stocking up on essential supplies.

**Impact and Preparations:**

The rising river levels are the result of days of heavy rain, which has caused local tributaries to overflow and saturate the ground. According to meteorologists, the storms have brought nearly 4 inches of rain to the region over the past 48 hours, with more rainfall expected in the coming hours. The persistent weather patterns are expected to last until Friday, increasing the likelihood of prolonged flood conditions.

Levees along the Tualatin River have been identified as a potential weak point, with the risk that they may fail under the pressure of the rising water. The city has reinforced these levees as much as possible, but engineers have warned that the current conditions are unprecedented and pose a real threat to Sherwood’s flood defenses. Additionally, river systems are being closely monitored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Oregon Department of Transportation, who have dispatched teams to assess potential breaches and provide aid where necessary.

While Sherwood residents brace for the worst, local emergency services have launched a round-the-clock response effort. The Sherwood Fire Department has been placed on high alert, and emergency medical services are on standby. The Oregon National Guard has also been mobilized, ready to assist with evacuations and to help clear debris or provide search-and-rescue operations if needed.

Meanwhile, local schools have been temporarily closed, with district officials urging parents to take their children to designated shelters if they live in the affected areas. For those who require transportation assistance to evacuate, the city has arranged buses to transport individuals to safe zones.

**Evacuees Respond:**

As the mandatory evacuation order spreads through Sherwood, many residents are scrambling to gather their belongings and leave their homes. “This is surreal,” said local resident Karen Mitchell, whose house is located just a few blocks from the Tualatin River. “We’ve been through floods before, but this is the worst it’s ever looked. I’m worried about my house, but my main priority is getting my family to safety.”

Other residents are similarly concerned about the potential loss of property. “I’ve lived here for 20 years, and this is the first time I’ve had to evacuate,” said Michael Reed, who lives in the Westwood neighborhood. “It’s scary, but I know we have to do it. There’s no time to waste.”

**Community Support and Relief Efforts:**

As the city mobilizes for evacuation, numerous community organizations are stepping up to offer assistance. The Red Cross has been actively involved in coordinating shelter operations, and local businesses have donated food, clothing, and supplies to support evacuees. Sherwood’s faith-based organizations have also opened their doors to provide shelter, with volunteers offering help to those in need.

In addition, the Oregon Department of Transportation is working to ensure that evacuation routes remain open and safe. Temporary roadblocks and detours are being established to manage traffic flow and prevent congestion on evacuation routes. However, officials warn that many roads in low-lying areas may soon become impassable due to rising floodwaters, so residents are urged to leave as soon as possible.

**Looking Ahead:**

As Sherwood continues to face the immediate threat of flooding, city leaders are focusing on ensuring the safety of residents and minimizing damage to property. Long-term recovery plans are already being discussed, with the city working closely with state and federal agencies to secure funding and resources for rebuilding and restoration efforts.

Residents are advised to continue monitoring the situation and follow all evacuation orders issued by local authorities. The full extent of the damage will likely not be known until the floodwaters recede, but Sherwood’s community spirit remains strong. In the face of adversity, residents and local officials are united in their efforts to weather the storm and rebuild their city, no matter the challenges ahead.