Submitted by Lewis County Division of Emergency Management
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for Lewis County.
There are four stages of river flooding with different levels for each river – Action Stage, Minor Flooding, Moderate Flooding and Major Flooding.
The Cowlitz River at Randle is projected to reach ‘Major’ flood stage in the early pre-dawn hours of tomorrow morning, and crest later that day (3/1).
The Nisqually River near National will reach ‘Moderate’ stage tomorrow morning.
The Newaukum River at Chehalis is expected to reach ‘Minor’ flood stage late tonight, and crest just below the ‘Moderate’ stage tomorrow mid-morning.
Projections show ‘Action’ stage levels for the Chehalis River at Centralia tomorrow afternoon, and for the Cowlitz River at Packwood tomorrow pre-dawn morning.
Currently, the Skookumchuck River at Centralia is NOT projected to reach any flood stage.
Another two inches of rain is forecasted for today, so river projections can change. As county residents know from the New Year’s Flood, changes can happen quickly, so keep an eye on river levels here.
Sandbag locations are opening this morning at the following areas:
- Area 7 – Kiona Shop (8911 US Hwy 12, Randle)
- Randle Fire Station (9978 US-12, Randle)
- Lewis County Sandbag Station (19 SW Cascade Ave, Chehalis) – Use the side door to enter.
- Napavine Fire Station (115 East Washington St, Napavine) – Rear of building.
Follow Lewis County Division of Emergency Management on Facebook for timely updates here.
Some county roads will likely be impacted by surface flooding. In the case of road closures, do NOT drive around road closure signs. They are there for a reason. Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN!
