The lime green areas are counties where flood warnings have been issued, most of them today. Courtesy picture / National Weather Service
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Moderate flooding is forecast on the Newaukum River at Chehalis beginning about 8 o’clock tonight, according to the National Weather Service.
Heavy rain has begun to develop over far southern Washington, the weather service reported at mid-day today. It’s expected to continue tonight and tomorrow driving streams in the Chehalis drainage to flood stage.
The Newaukum River is expected to crest about 4 p.m. tomorrow near 13 feet. Flood stage is 10.5 feet.
At that level, flood waters will inundate many roads residential areas and commercial areas along the river and its forks, according to the Weather Service.
The Weather Service cautions flooding in some areas may be deep and hazardous, especially near rivers.
The expected levels correspond to a phase two flood under the Lewis County flood system.
Impacted roadways and surrounding areas include Jackson Highway and roads such as Rush, Sommerville, Griel, Hamilton, Tune, Tauscher, Guerrier, Kirkland, Macomber, Rice, Senn, Lucas Creek, Middle Fork and North Fork.
The Newaukum River is expected to fall below flood stage Monday afternoon.
The warning is accompanied by other flood warnings issued today on the Cowlitz River near Randle; the Skookumchuck at Centralia and Bucoda; and the Chehalis River at Doty, Centralia and Ground Mound.
Higher elevations in the Willapa Hills and Central Cascades are likely to receive 3 inches to 7 inches of rain during the period, according to the forecasters.
Most flooding will be moderate, except the Chehalis River near Grand Mound is expected to produce major flooding, the warning notes.
Minor flooding is expected on the Nisqually River near National affecting Lewis and Pierce counties.
More coming
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