GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY, Wash. — Just one river is still under a Flood Warning in western Washington as of Sunday morning as residents continue to wait for the water to fully recede in flooded communities.
Sunny skies are forecasted for Sunday, which should allow most rivers to fall below flood stage into Monday.
Several areas across the Puget Sound region continue to experience flooding due to recent heavy rain and snowmelt.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee issued an emergency proclamation over extensive rain and snow causing flooding in several counties and extended mountain pass closures.
You can find information on road closures, evacuations and Flood Warnings below:
Flood Warning:
Flood Warnings were issued at the end of last week for various parts of western Washington as snowmelt and heavy rain created potentially disastrous conditions.
By Sunday morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) had only one active Flood Warning for the Chehalis River near Grand Mound, Centralia and Porter.
More rain is expected to hit western Washington Monday through Wednesday.
Lewis County
The Chehalis river remains under Flood Warning in Centralia as of Saturday evening.
The Chehalis River was measured at 173 feet Saturday morning, causing moderate flooding of farms, Fort Borst Park and some residential and commercial areas, with water encroaching upon some homes, businesses and roadways through Sunday morning, according to the NWS.
The river is at Phase 1 flooding and is expected to fall below flood stage Sunday morning and continue to fall from there. Flood stage is 168.5 feet, according to the NWS. The Flood Warning is expected to expire for the Chehalis River at Centralia late Sunday morning.
I-5 shut down between Grand Mound and US 12 for several hours on Friday due to flooding from the Chehalis River. Previously, Washington State Patrol Trooper Will Finn told KING 5 the 20-mile stretch of I-5 would be closed until at least Monday.
As of Friday evening, officials had carried out 21 water rescues in Lewis County.
Lewis County Commissioners asked residents to take necessary steps to protect themselves and their families, especially if they see water near their home or current location.
Those who are displaced can find shelter at Centralia Middle School at 901 Johnson Rd. The shelter has outside space for pets.
Grays Harbor County
A Flood Warning went into effect Thursday afternoon for areas of Grays Harbor County after major flooding was forecasted for the Chehalis River above Grand Mound. The Flood Warning is expected to remain in place until Monday.
Major flooding is forecast for the Chehalis River until early Monday morning. The river crested at 145 feet on Saturday morning, but won't fall below flood stage until Sunday afternoon.
The Chehalis River at Porter is expected to crest at 52 feet Saturday afternoon, nearing a record high level. Flood stage for the river is 48 feet. Major flooding is expected from Oakville downstream to Grays Harbor. "Deep and swift flood waters" will inundate farms and roads, including State Route 12, according to the NWS. High tide in Aberdeen will make the flooding worse along the lower reaches.
Flooding will occur all along the river including headwaters, tributaries and other streams within the Chehalis River Basin, according to the NWS.
The river isn't expected to fall below flood stage until Tuesday morning when the Flood Warning is expected to expire.
The Hoquiam Police Department (HPD) told residents to prepare for localized flooding. The city’s public works department opened a free sandbag station next to the Department of Licensing Office at the end of 8th Street.
The city is operating the Emergency Operations Center to monitor conditions around the city. HPD said that additional landslides could occur into the weekend.
The center stood up a shelter for anyone displaced by the flooding at the county's fairgrounds.
Anyone needing to evacuate due to the flooding can head to the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds Pavilion Building at 32 Elma-McCleary Road in Elma. Red Cross and volunteers are on-site with cots, blankets and refreshments available.
HPD urged residents to not drive through floodwaters.
Thurston County
The Chehalis River is still under a Flood Warning in Thurston County, as well.
The Chehalis River above Grand Mound will cause major flooding, inundating roads and farmlands in the Independence Valley. Deep flood waters will cover State Route 12 and James, Independence and Moon Roads.
The Chehalis River will remain above flood stage through much of the weekend. The Flood Warning will remain in effect until early Monday morning.
Thurston County Emergency Management issued a Level 2 evacuation for the Chehalis River Thursday. Residents living near the river should prepare for localized flooding and be prepared to evacuate the area if advised to by law enforcement.
Flooding is also possible in downtown Olympia. Sandbags are available to local businesses in Olympia at several locations throughout the city.
Call Thurston County Public Works at (360) 867-2300 to report flooded roads during regular business hours. After hours, weekend and holiday road reports should be directed to TCOMM Dispatch at (360) 704-2740. Residents are urged to only use 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies.
