Willow Creek Reservoir stores almost 9,800 acre-feet of water near Heppner. Morrow County Emergency Management plans to test its audible flood warning system at 1 p.m. Nov. 14, 2024, in Heppner.

HEPPNER — Morrow County Emergency Management announced it will test its audible Flood Warning System on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 1 p.m. in Heppner.

The county department on its Facebook page posted the test will be the first step in determining the most effective way to notify the public of imminent flooding.

Heppner was the site of the worst natural disaster in Oregon history June 14, 1903, when a major flash flood along Willow Creek destroyed a large portion of the town and killed at least 247 people.

Morrow County Emergency Management also reported it will subsequent trainings with state and local agencies to ensure the county can warn and evacuate the public if there is a flooding emergency.