Tree smashes into house in Sisters

High winds snapped off a ponderosa pine tree about 10 feet above ground level, sending the trunk and branches crashing down on a home at 208 W. St. Helens St. in Sisters Monday evening.

There were no injuries in the incident, although the home was occupied.

Shirley Lalli reported that the tree came down on her kitchen at about 6 p.m., shortly after she had fixed dinner and just before she headed back in there to do the dishes.

"Five more minutes, I'd have been out there doing the dishes," Lalli told The Nugget.

"The kitchen is gone," she noted.

A branch penetrated the living room ceiling right above her sister Leora's head.

The fire department required that the Lallis leave the home overnight due to the amount of weight that was resting on the roof. On Tuesday morning, Frank and Shirley were awaiting the arrival of an insurance team to determine their next actions.

High winds were expected through Tuesday night and soggy weather is forecast to linger through the week.

Whychus Creek was running high on Tuesday as rain and warm temperatures melt off recent snow.

The City of Sisters has opened a sandbag site for citizens and businesses in danger of flooding as rain continues in the area. The site is self-serve, located at the Sisters School District Administration Building parking lot at 525 E. Cascade Ave. Bags, sand, and shovels can be found at the site.

Sandbag safety tips:

• Use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury and fatigue. Lift with your legs and bend at the knees to save your

back.

• Sandbags are treated to prevent deterioration when stored. Use work gloves and avoid contact with your eyes or mouth.

• Floodwaters can be polluted. Use rubber gloves and appropriate clothing if contact with water is unavoidable.

• Wear adequate clothing in layers and watertight boots. Reflective material on outer clothing is essential for night work.

For assistance, call the City's emergency response number at 541-480-7634.

Bad weather can lead to power outages. Every home should have an emergency outage kit that includes the following:

• Flashlight

• Battery-operated radio and clock

• Extra batteries

• Non-perishable foods

• Manual can opener

• Bottled water

• Blankets.