Submitted by Thurston County
Three roads in south Thurston County are closed today due to water over the roadways. More rain and some river flooding is forecast for the area through Tuesday, January 6, so drivers are reminded to use caution and not to drive on any flooded roads, even if there are no “Road Closed” signs posted:
- Littlerock Road SW between Sargent Road SW and 133rd Avenue SW
- Mima/Gate Road SW between Hunter Road SW and 152nd Avenue SW
- Tilley Road SW between 143rd Avenue SW and Goddard Road SW
“More rain is expected, and we’ll likely be adding to this list of closed roads, so we want to remind drivers to stay safe and avoid all flooded roads,” says Thurston County Emergency Manager Sandy Johnson, “even if they don’t see any signs or barricades.”
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the Skookumchuck and Chehalis rivers, and a Flood Watch for other rivers in Thurston County through Tuesday afternoon, January 6. Current forecasts predict that both the Skookumchuck River and the Chehalis River will exceed flood stage.
The Skookumchuck River at the Bucoda gage reached flood stage (13.5 feet) at about 10:30 a.m. today, and will crest at about 14.27 feet around 10 p.m. tonight. This minor level of flooding is likely to flood local roads in spots and may flood low lying structures.
The Chehalis River at the Grand Mound gage is predicted to reach flood stage (14 feet) at about 10 p.m. today and crest at about 15.39 feet around midnight tonight. This moderate level of flooding is likely to cause several roads in the Independence Valley area to flood, including James Road, Independence Road, Moon Road and Anderson Road. Drivers are reminded to use caution and not to drive on flooded roads.
Thurston County emergency management officials are also keeping a close eye on the Deschutes River. Currently, the Deschutes River is predicted to crest below flood stage this afternoon.
River conditions can change rapidly, so residents should stay tuned to the National Weather Service website, NOAA weather radio, the Thurston County Emergency Management website and local news for updates.
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.
Telephone Alert System sign-up: www.co.thurston.wa.us/em/flood/teleAlert.htm
TCEM on Facebook: ThurstonEM
TCEM on Twitter: @ThurstonEM
Download a copy of the Fall 2014 Thurston County Flood Bulletin that includes kit checklists, evacuation tips, contact numbers for government agencies and utilities, and more. Go to the Emergency Management home page at www.co.thurston.wa.us/em and click on the “Fall 2014 Flood Bulletin” link on the left side of the page.
Get flood information and links, including river gage graphs and sandbagging information, on the Thurston County Emergency Management Flood Information & Assistance webpage at http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/em/Flood/FloodInfo.htm.
