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Flooding: Rising waters could get into some Centralia area homes

By Sharyn  L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

The city of Centralia declared a local emergency late this afternoon in light of the excessive rainfall.

“The rain is expected to continue for the next 36 hours, causing local rivers, creeks and streams to exceed flood stages,” a news release from the city states.

Sandbag stations opened up in Centralia.

The Chehalis River at Doty crested more than five feet over flood stage late this afternoon and is expected to reach flood stage in Centralia before noon tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service. Then the river would continue to rise.

The crest in Centralia predicted by 6 p.m. tomorrow would be more than four feet over flood stage, according to the weather service.

The weather services says swift water will cover some roads, and water can be expected to encroach upon the first floors of some homes and businesses.

The Newaukum River near Chehalis is reaching flood stage about now and forecast to crest before morning at about two feet over flood stage, according to readings from the weather service.

The flooding is not considered major, but not minor either.

The Lewis County Department of Emergency Management increased its activation level this afternoon in preparation.

“Citizens are advised to take precaution and leave any area with dangerous rising water, prior to needing to be physically rescued,” the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office stated late this afternoon.

Those in flood prone areas should move their animals before the levels become dangerous, the sheriff’s office advises.

State Route 6 is closed at White Road because of water over the roadway.

Deep and hazardous flood waters will inundate many roads, residential and commercial areas around the Newaukum, the weather service says.

Further cautions from the sheriff’s office: Motorists are advised not to drive through standing water. Six inches of water can sweep you off of your feet, twelve inches can sweep your car away.

The sheriff’s office advises residents to monitor local radio stations.

The weather service notes folks should be alert for rapid changes and monitor developments.

Information and warnings can be accessed at the weather service website [1]. Current river levels [2] and their forecast flood levels are updated regularly by the weather service.

In Centralia, sandbag stations were expected be operational by 5 p.m.; in the 100 block of Center Street (near the fire station) and at 1227 Harrison Avenue (Harrison Square Presbyterian Church).  The stations will not be manned full time but will be monitored for constant supply, according to the city.

The emergency shelter located at 416 N. Tower Avenue will be open and can accommodate up to 50 people for emergencies only, the news release notes.

The sheriff’s office notes rescue personnel are on call.

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Links to the two web sites noted above can always be found on the right hand sidebar of Lewis County Sirens.com

Here they are again:

• National Weather Service – NWS Seattle, here [1]

• National Weather Service: River levels (Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service), here [2]