By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
Since the National Weather Service is now predicting a phase two flood event for the Chehalis River at Centralia, the city has decided to open sandbags stations in the morning as well as activate its emergency operations center.
The river is expected to crest about four and a half feet above flood stage at Mellen Street tomorrow evening, according to a news release from Police Chief Bob Berg. The weather service currently expects it to hit minor flood stage before 8 a.m.
That’s about two feet higher than they were thinking this morning.
Sand and bags for Centralia residents only will be available starting at 8 a.m. at:
• The 100 block of West Center Street, in the northwest corner of the Destiny Christian Center parking lot.
• The 1800 block of Cooks Hill Road, in front of the medical center
• The 200 block of East Summa Street, by the railroad tracks.
Phase two means that in addition to low-lying roads such as South Schueber, Military Road, Airport Road and possibly portions of Kresky Avenue maybe being impacted by rising waters, other residential streets in the south end of town could be affected, according to Berg.
Also, low-lying areas that traditionally flood early could experience minor to moderate flooding, Berg wrote in a news release tonight.
Changing weather patterns could change the forecast, Berg cautions.
Residents are advised to stay tuned to local radio stations for the latest weather information.
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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)
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter