Submitted by Lewis County Division of Emergency Management
Anyone that has spent any amount of time living in or learning about Lewis County, knows just how much flooding impacts our county. With a history of damage and at times devastation, paired with the inevitability of future flooding, comes the imperative need to make plans for the future.
On October 25, Lewis County’s 21st Annual Flood Meeting will take place at the Jester Auto Museum from 1 to 5 p.m. This event is open to the public and will be packed with presentations from experts presenting highly valuable information relating to flooding potential, project plans, and citizen safety needs.
Division of Emergency Management (DEM) updates will be given by Deputy Director Ross McDowell and will cover a photo review of Lewis County flooding from 1996 to 2007.
A local weather outlook for the upcoming winter, which is the time of year where conditions are more likely to lead to flooding, will be presented by The National Weather Service.
Lewis County Manager and Administrator for the Chehalis River Basin Flood Control Zone District Erik Martin will show attendees the Proposed Chehalis Basin Strategy Project, which estimates future savings of hundreds of millions of dollars in flood damages to Lewis County homes and businesses.
DEM’s Emergency Management Planner Erika Katt will be educating those in attendance on the Isolation Map, which shows areas in our county where individuals and families could be stranded from disasters. This map is crucial in rescue plan coordination during the unfortunate times that those are necessary.
Other presentations will be given by Tacoma Power, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority.
“It is important the public know what resources are available for emergencies and the information being discussed and planned for with regards to flooding in Lewis County,” stated Josh Metcalf, Public Works and DEM Director. “This meeting will provide a wealth of information, including examples of available resources and discussions of work currently being done and work being planned for the future,” Metcalf added.
For those who chose, or are not able to attend in person, you may email DEM for the link and login instructions to attend virtually, here.
Event Details:
Lewis County 21st Annual Flood Meeting
Monday, October 25, 2021 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Jester Auto Museum at 321 Hamilton Road in Chehalis