With the first heavy rainfall of the flood season in the forecast this week, Lewis County and Centralia emergency management officials are actively monitoring conditions and preparing routine resources, including making sandbags available if needed.
The greatest local area of concern, according to the most recent National Weather Service update on Monday, was the Cowlitz River, which was expected to reach major flood stage twice this week between Monday and Friday.
According to the Monday morning forecast, the Cowlitz River at Randle was expected to reach flood stage Monday night into Tuesday morning. As rain continues, the river is expected to rise again and remain in major flood stage through Friday morning. That level of inundation could close U.S. Highway 12 and lead to flooding of properties along the river, based on past flooding events.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for all of Western Washington through the week.
The Newaukum River near Chehalis was expected to reach moderate flood status by Monday night into Tuesday morning.
It’s expected to remain in that range through Thursday, according to river forecasts.
The Skookumchuck River is expected to reach moderate flood stage at Bucoda, though it will likely not reach flood stage downriver in Centralia, according to Monday morning’s river forecast.
Likewise, the Chehalis River could reach minor flood stage at Doty and moderate flooding stage at Grand Mound this week, though flooding was not expected on the Chehalis River at Centralia as of Monday morning.
See updated river gauge readings throughout the week at https://lewiscountywa.gov/departments/emergency-management/flood-information/.
Forecasts call for periods of heavy rain Monday into Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by rising river levels on the Cowlitz, Chehalis, Newaukum and Skookumchuck Rivers throughout the week through Friday.
In Centralia, river levels are expected to remain below flood stage, and no road closures or widespread flooding are anticipated, according to a news release from the City of Centralia. As always, minor pooling of water on some roadways is possible during heavy rain.
According to the latest National Weather Service briefing, all river forecasts have trended upward, and heavier precipitation has shifted back northward into the south-central Cascades — directly affecting the Chehalis and Cowlitz river basins.
A wind advisory was also issued for foothills and valleys of Thurston and Lewis counties from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday. South winds were expected to blow 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, according to a Facebook post from Lewis County Emergency Management. The agency warned of falling tree limbs and advised residents to secure outdoor decorations, garbage cans and lightweight structures.
Lewis County Transit proactively suspended the Brown East route that runs from Morton to Packwood starting Tuesday through Friday this week, according to an email from Lewis County Transit Executive Director Josh Nylander Monday. This is due to expected flooding along state Route 12. Brown East normally runs Mondays through Tuesdays and Thursdays through Fridays between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Lewis County expects there will be detours and some stop closures required for the other parts of its service as it carefully watches the river gauges. Riders are encouraged to watch its website at https://lewiscountytransit.org/ and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LewisCountyTransit.
DARTT and LIFTT riders should check with their destination to make sure it is open before booking and taking their ride. Call Lewis County Transit dispatch at 360-330-5555 if reservation changes or cancellations are necessary.
Sandbag locations in Lewis County
Lewis County has opened the following locations for residents to fill and take sandbags.
Both locations are self-serve. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels.
• Chehalis – 350 W Main St., corner of Main and Cascade (brick garage).
• Kiona Shop – East Lewis County.
• Should the need arise for sandbags, the City of Centralia has relocated its primary self-serve sandbag station to Center Street at Tower Avenue. Entrance to the sandbag station will be from Tower Avenue. The station was expected to open Monday afternoon.
More locations were expected to be announced on the Lewis County Emergency Management Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072464765616.
“Residents in flood-prone areas should remain alert, monitor river gauges and prepare now,” Lewis County Emergency Management stated online. “We will share all updated information with you as soon as it is available. Please stay safe, stay aware and ensure your family and neighbors are prepared for a very active weather pattern this week.”
Centralia preparations
The City of Centralia and its partner agencies are encouraging to take a few simple steps to stay safe and informed:
• Stay updated by signing up for free emergency alerts at https://tinyurl.com/4efn9vkr.
• Monitor local river levels in real time at https://rivers.lewiscountywa.gov/#/ or https://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/rfc/.
• Visit the City of Centralia’s Emergency Management page for preparedness tips and resources at https://tinyurl.com/3ppk2zm5.
• Never drive through moving water — “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Even shallow, fast-moving water can sweep vehicles off the road.
• Check on neighbors, friends and family members who may need extra help during wet weather, such as seniors or those with limited mobility.
The City of Centralia and its partner agencies are in close coordination with each other and will provide updates only if conditions change significantly.
For more information, contact Centralia Emergency Management at 360-330-7680 or DEM@cityofcentralia.com.
