MEDFORD, Ore. — The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch for portions of southwestern Oregon, including Curry and Josephine counties, the Siskiyou Mountains and the southern Oregon Cascades, the Oregon Dept. said. of Geology and Mineral Industries.

The watch applies from now until Friday evening, November 22.

The NWS expects heavy rainfall in the region, which could result in landslides, rock falls and debris flows in areas with steep terrain, as well as debris flows in and near burned areas due to recent wildfires.

Find the latest information here: https://alerts.weather.gov/search?area=OR

Debris flows are fast-moving, extremely destructive landslides. They may contain boulders and logs that are transported in fast-moving soil and water slurry along steep slopes and through narrow gorges. They can easily travel a kilometer or more. A debris flow moves faster than a human can run. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk.

If your home, work or travel route is in a monitored area:

• Stay alert. Follow the flood watch via radio, TV, weather radio or online. If you are asked to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Listen. Unusual sounds may indicate moving debris, such as trees creaking or boulders colliding. A trickle of falling mud or debris can precede larger landslides. If you think there is a danger of a landslide, leave immediately.
• Watch the water. If the water in a stream or creek suddenly becomes muddy or the amount of flowing water suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning sign that the flow upstream has been affected. You should leave the area immediately as a debris flow may be coming downstream soon.
• Travel with extreme caution. Suppose roads are not safe. Be alert while driving, especially at night. Dikes along roadsides can fail, causing stones and debris to fall onto the road.

For more information on landslides and debris flows, visit https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/landslide/Pages/debrisflow.aspx.