Rising floodwaters in Josephine County prompted multiple emergency responses on Monday as local agencies worked together to address a rapidly escalating situation that left residents stranded in vehicles and homes and caused damage to public infrastructure.
The first emergency call came from Upper River Road at Hunt Lane, where a vehicle had become stranded in the middle of the road due to high water. As emergency crews arrived to assist and safely escort the vehicle’s occupants to dry ground, the situation took a dangerous turn when a levy adjacent to the road gave way. The levy failure occurred along an irrigation ditch swollen from recent rains, situated next to Fort Vannoy Elementary School.
Within a short time, floodwaters breached the unoccupied school, prompting an urgent response from local fire crews. Rural Metro Fire and Grants Pass Fire Rescue units quickly arrived on the scene to place sandbags at critical entry points in an attempt to minimize water intrusion and prevent further damage to the school. Their efforts came as water levels continued to rise rapidly, creating additional hazards for the surrounding area.
As the morning progressed, the situation expanded beyond the initial scene. Emergency dispatchers began receiving a growing number of 911 calls reporting stranded individuals throughout the Merlin area, located just north of Grants Pass. Callers described being trapped in their vehicles and homes as floodwaters continued to surge across roads and low-lying areas.
In response to these escalating calls for help, teams from multiple agencies were dispatched to perform welfare checks and coordinate evacuations. Crews focused on neighborhoods along Abegg Road, Ward Road, and Barker Drive, areas particularly affected by the sudden flooding. Some residents were assisted in evacuating to safety, while others were advised to shelter in place depending on their specific circumstances and the severity of water intrusion.
Throughout the day, responders coordinated closely to ensure the safety of both residents and emergency personnel. The flooding not only impacted private residences and public schools but also posed risks to infrastructure such as roadways and utilities. Emergency workers emphasized the importance of avoiding flooded roadways and adhering to public safety advisories.
Sunday’s emergency operations were carried out with the cooperation of several local agencies, including Josephine County Emergency Management, Josephine County Search & Rescue, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Josephine County Public Works, Rural Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire Rescue, and representatives from Three Rivers School District, which oversees Fort Vannoy Elementary School.
Officials praised the swift collaboration between these agencies, noting that the coordinated response was essential in preventing potential injuries and limiting property damage. However, they also acknowledged that the situation remains fluid, with the potential for further flooding depending on weather conditions and runoff from already saturated grounds.
As of Monday, no injuries had been reported in connection with the flooding incidents. Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and report any dangerous conditions to 911. They also reminded the public to avoid attempting to drive through flooded roadways, a leading cause of fatalities in flood situations.
The Three Rivers School District has not yet released an official statement regarding damage to Fort Vannoy Elementary School but is expected to assess the extent of the water intrusion in the coming days.
Josephine County Emergency Management continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official county channels and local media as weather patterns evolve.
For now, emergency responders remain on high alert, ready to assist those in need as the community grapples with the ongoing challenges brought by the severe weather and its aftermath.
