By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
The (Longview) Daily News reports a magnitude 3.4 earthquake occurred about 2:51 a.m. on Wednesday about 10 miles north of Mount St. Helens.
The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network described the quake as centered about 15 miles south of Morton and a little more than five miles deep.
Responders at one-car crash off Interstate 5 near exit 72 / Courtesy photo by Lewis County Fire District 5
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Firefighters called to a single-vehicle accident on Interstate 5 south of Chehalis this morning found a car that had collided with a light pole and several trees, according to Lewis County Fire District 5.
It happened just before 10 a.m. in the northbound lanes near exit 72, according to Fire Lt. Laura Hanson.
The driver – the car’s only occupant – was taken to Providence Centralia Hospital with injuries that called for an ambulance staffed with advanced life support personnel, according to Hanson.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
Authorities are repeating an appeal for blood donations during the coming week as the winter storms have caused the regional blood supply to drop to emergency levels.
Yvette Olive, the donor resources representative for Lewis County, notes the inventory has taken a huge hit.
The Puget Sound Blood Center’s Dr. James P. AuBuchon said in a news release this morning they have a ways to go before normal levels will be restored.
“If you haven’t given blood recently, we’re asking donors to make a special effort this week to donate,” AuBuchon stated. “Donors provide a live-saving gift, and we’re counting on sustained support from donors and the community to replenish our blood supply by the end of this month.”
Two opportunities are available tomorrow to give in Lewis County:
• Lewis County Mall at 151 N.E. Hampe Way in Chehalis from 10 a.m. until noon and 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
• Thorbeckes gym parking lot at 91 S.W. Chehalis Avenue in Chehalis from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Olive says if someone is unsure about their eligibility, they can phone 1-800-398-7888. Walk-ins are welcome at the mall but an appointment can be made here
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
The (Tacoma) News Tribune writes that a break in the weather has allowed for an air search this morning for four people more than a week overdue from climbing and camping at Mount Rainier.
A one-miles temporary flight restriction is currently in place around the mountain however, park authorities reported later this morning.
Over the past week, ground teams have encountered white-out conditions, winds 60 mph and higher as well as snow depths of 10 to 15 feet with drifts up to 50 feet, according to park spokesperson Patti Wold said today.
Read about it, here
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
A Centralia City Light service truck is heading to power outages in the area of North Tower Avenue, Roosevelt Avenue and Northrup as crews aim to get electricity restored for their last few customers this morning.
Two crews from Cowlitz County PUD are working in the areas of Proffitt Road / Salzer Valley, Borst Avenue, Johnson Road and Pioneer Way, according to an 8:15 a.m. update from city light this morning.
Currently they have 103 customers without power, according to city light technical assistant Ashley Stemkoski.
Updated at 4:25 p.m.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – A flood watch is in effect through tomorrow afternoon in Lewis, Thurston, Grays Harbor and other western Washington counties with heavy rain expected to combine with melting of this week’s record snowfalls.
It could drive the Chehalis River, the Newaukum River and the Skokomish River above flood stage, although any flooding is likely to be minor, according to the National Weather Service.
Small stream flooding is possible as well, the weather service says.
All areas could see “ponding” of water, especially around clogged drains and culverts, according to forecasters.
“Uncertainty is high with this event and the snow melt is a big part of that uncertainty,” the weather bulletin reads.
Additionally, an avalanche watch is in place through tonight for the Cascade and Olympic mountains.
Check the forecast and warnings for your area, here and here
•••
Both the above links – “Weather forecasts” and “River levels” are always available on the right hand sidebar of Lewis County Sirens.com
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The Lewis County 911 center wants to remind the public to call 911 for emergencies only.
If someone’s power is out or they want to report a road-related issue they should call those entities responsible, according to Laura Hanson of Lewis County Communications-911.
“We just want to keep the 911 lines open for emergencies,” Hanson said.
She offers some phone numbers:
• Lewis County PUD: 748-9261
• Centralia City Light: 330-7512
• Lewis County Public Works: 740-1123
Also, for information on road closures or restrictions, try:
• Road conditions, Lewis County
• State highway travel alerts
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