A landslide has Highway 30 blocked in both directions about halfway between Astoria and Clatskanie, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) said.

David House with ODOT says the highway will be definitely be closed Thursday, December 1, and possibly longer.

Traffic engineers blame the slide on the recent heavy rains.

"We're seeing what Oregon typically throws at [us] during a storm in late fall and winter, so heavy rain is likely the trigger," said House.

The landslide was reported near milepost 74, which is twelve miles west of Clatskanie. The eastbound and westbound lanes are blocked.

House says people need to be ready for slides, big and small.

"This land is an active landslide, and has been for thousands of years. This is an area where we've had slides in the past and will have more in the future. Everyone needs to slow down, This time of year it's darker sooner, days are shorter, stopping distance is shorter, and we see a lot of debris on the road that may not notice until you hit it."

Drivers are asked to expect delays or find another route, but it won't be a nearby alternative, House says there are no local detours and few traversable highways in the area.

House also says if you are looking for a detour, don't be too quick to trust your GPS.

"If your GPS is showing you an undeveloped road as a detour don't be tempted to use that, that could be dangerous in this kind of weather," he said.

One big rig truck was wrecked when it collided with the slide. No one was hurt.