Update 5 p.m. Wednesday

A sudden thunderstorm that swept through the Salem area Tuesday was a record-setter.

The storm originated just north of Salem and moved into the city around 4 p.m, bringing in well over a half-inch of rain within 20 minutes — and a total of .96 inches within the last 24 hours — near the Salem Airport, according to the National Weather Service.

The rain fell quickly, said Jeremiah Pyle, a weather service meteorologist.

Most, if not all of the rain fell within a two-hour window — between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Peak wind gusts were measured at 30 mph.

The first heavy spurt came just before 5 p.m., accumulating .61 inches of rainfall near the airport within the hour. Another .35 inches fell in the next hour.

An area southwest of Turner near Parrish Gap Road SE received well over an inch of rainfall, according to OneRain, a rainfall tracker that partners with the City of Salem.

Some areas, such as West Salem, accumulated little to no rain. Eola Drive NW near Doaks Ferry Road NW measured about .03 inches of rainfall.

Original story

A surprise thunderstorm swept through the Salem area Tuesday afternoon, dumping rain and causing minor flooding.

The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory throughout the Willamette Valley for Tuesday afternoon into the evening. The advisory was in effect from around 3 p.m. until 5:45 p.m. for several counties including Marion and Polk counties.

One of the most active systems originated just north of Salem, according to Dave Elson, a meteorlogist with the National Weather Service in Portland. It moved south into the city around 4 p.m.

Rainfall rates in the heaviest showers throughout the valley were as high as one-half to three-quarters of an inch in 30 minutes, according to the advisory. Additional scattered showers producing up to an inch of rain in an hour were expected through 6 p.m.

Rainfall rates in the heaviest showers throughout the valley were as high as one-half to three-quarters of an inch in 30 minutes, according to the advisory. Additional scattered showers producing up to an inch of rain in an hour were expected through 6 p.m.

Salem Police officers were called out on two traffic assists between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. because of flooding, according to Lt. Treven Upkes.

Officers were dispatched to Walker Road NE, which was reported to have about 6 inches of water. The second assist was at Liberty Street S at King Street S.

It's easy for fallen leaves to clog storm drains during heavy rainfall which can lead to flooding, Upkes said.

Authorities are asking commuters to drive slowly and avoid large puddles of water on the roads.

As of 5 p.m., the city did not report any road closures, according to Heather Dimke, a spokesperson for the City of Salem Public Works Department.

Residents can check for updates on road conditions and closures on the city's website.

Virginia Barreda is the breaking news reporter with the Statesman Journal. She can be reached at 503-399-6657 or at vbarreda@statesmanjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter at @vbarreda2.