Heavy Rains Close Three South Thurston County Roads

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Submitted by Thurston County Emergency Management

Several Thurston County roads near the Chehalis River are closed today due to water over the roadways. More heavy rain is forecast for the area through Friday, February 21, so drivers are reminded to use caution and not to drive on any flooded roads, even if there are no “Road Closed” signs posted:

  • Independence Road SW between Marble Street SW and Michigan Hill Road SW
  • Moon Road SW at 188th Avenue SW
  • Gravel portion of Anderson Road SW north of State Route 12                   

“It only takes 18 inches of water to float a small car, so we want to remind drivers to avoid all flooded roads, even if they don’t see any road closed signs,” says Thurston County Emergency Manager Kathy Estes.

Reminding motorists that drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths, Estes lists the following driver safety rules:

• Don’t drive on flooded roads. As little as 18 inches of water can float a small car.

• Don’t drive around road barriers. The road or bridge may be washed out.

• If your vehicle stalls in high water, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

• Don’t walk through flowing water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.

• Tell a friend or relative when you leave home and where you’re going.

Flood Preparedness Tips and Resources:

  • Sign up for Thurston County Emergency Management’s Telephone Alert System for river flooding. You can also follow Thurston County Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter.

o   Telephone Alert System sign-up: www.co.thurston.wa.us/em/flood/teleAlert.htm

o   TCEM on Facebook: ThurstonEM

o   TCEM on Twitter: @ThurstonEM

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