Flooding expected this evening around Chehalis, Centralia

By Sharyn  L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

Residents are advised to stay tuned to local radio stations as the weather service this morning issued warnings of minor to moderate flooding on the Newaukum and Chehalis Rivers forecast to begin this evening.

As much as four inches of rain has fallen in the Chehalis River Basin in the past 24 hours, with the heaviest amounts over the Willapa Hills, according to the National Weather Service. Another two to five inches is expected today through tomorrow evening, the weather service reports.

Centralia’s emergency management authorities are monitoring the weather and note the current prediction is for the Chehalis River at Mellen Street to crest a bit more than two feet above flood stage, corresponding to a phase one flood event.

But remember the forecast can change, Police Chief Bob Berg noted in a news release this morning.

Phase one means low-lying roads such as South Schueber, Military Road, Airport Road and possibly portions of Kresky Avenue may be impacted by rising waters, Berg stated.

The river is expected to reach flood stage at Mellen Street tomorrow morning, according to the weather service.

Berg said the river is expected to crest there tomorrow evening; the weather service says its expected to crest early Thursday morning. (Centralian’s, keep your eye on this link.)

Many surface streets in Centralia are already experiencing standing water, according to Berg.

The Newaukum River near Chehalis is expected to reach flood stage this evening, and crest near 12.8 feet in the morning. Moderate flooding is forecast, corresponding to a phase three flood event, according to the weather service.

Follow river levels and their forecasts here

Follow weather forecast, occurrences and warnings here (Click on your location, then click on the “flood warning” and read more)

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