We will be consistently updating this stream of weather information all day to include localized storm reports, photos and the latest weather alerts from the National Weather Service. Here is the latest coming in to The Chronicle newsroom.
NEWEST - 2:55 P.M. - Updated river forecasts show the Newaukum River at LaBree Road in Chehalis hitting flood stage this evening and cresting at 13.42 feet overnight. Record level is 13.5 feet.
Other predictions of note:
• The Chehalis River at the Mellen Street Bridge is now projected to crest at 69.98 feet Thanksgiving morning. This will be an area to continually monitor; the previous forecast indicated a creast at just over 67 feet.
• The Chehalis River at Doty is expected to hit flood stage shortly this afternoon and crest at 16.27 feet Wednesday morning
• The Chehalis River at Grand Mound will crest near major flood stage of 17 feet, hitting 16.8 feet at about 8 p.m. Wednesday evening.
Lewis County Emergency Management has not activated its Emergency Operations Center yet; Sgt. Ross McDowell says the center is weighing its options and will make a decision tonight on whether to activate.
Lewis County is still in line to receive several inches of rain in spots through Wednesday night.
1 P.M. - Several streets and intersections in Centralia are seeing minor flooding and the problem appears to be growing to several intersections.
Centralia Public Works issued a press release from its stormwater department shortly ago saying its stormwater lines are overloaded from the amount of rain the city has received.
Here is the release in full:
Due to heavy rains, stormwater lines in Centralia are overloaded. The limited capacity of our stormwater system cannot handle the overwhelming amount of rain we have had. Heavy rains are expected to continue into late Wednesday. Many streets are flooded, including streets that we don’t usually see in this condition. Recent falling leaves have also plugged drains which adds to problems in the streets.
Please drive carefully and be aware that Centralia Street Department crews are working in the streets to clear drains. Avoid streets that normally flood and be on the alert for water in new areas as well.
For questions or information, please contact Public Works at 360-330-7512.
11:35 A.M. - Lewis County Public Works is advising of water over several roads in the area.
• Tauscher Road in Chehalis has water over the roadway between mileposts 2.39 and 2.55.
• Pleasant Valley Road in Mineral has water over one lane at milepost 1.2 and is passable.
• Eshom Road in Centralia has water over both lanes in the 1300 block and is passable.
• Holt Road near state Route 7 in Morton has water over one lane and is passable.
Emergency managers are reminding drivers to be cautious when entering areas with standing water. Don't drive on flooded roads.
11:10 A.M. - Ross McDowell with Lewis County Emergency Management says the latest update into his office from the NWS indicated Chehalis River at Doty and the Newaukum River at Chehalis will reach flood stage by 6 p.m. this evening.
10:51 A.M. - The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the Newaukum and Chehalis rivers based on the information in the previous update.
Centralia Police Chief Bob Berg has sent out a 10:30 a.m. flood bulletin saying the Centralia Emergency Operations Center will not be activated; the decision will be reviewed this evening. The flood projections would equate to a Phase I flood event, meaning low-lying roads such as Military Road, Scheuber Road and Kresky Avenue could see flooding in areas.
10:25 A.M. - The Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service has made a major revision to its flood level predictions for the Newaukum and Chehalis rivers. Forecasters now expect the following:
• The Newaukum River at Labree Road in Chehalis will crest at 13.04 feet at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Moderate flood stage is 10.5 feet.
• The Chehalis River at Mellen Street in Centralia is expected to peak at 67.14 feet at 4 a.m. Thursday. Moderate flood stage is 68.5 feet.
• The Chehalis River at Grand Mound is expected to crest at 15.83 feet by 10 a.m. Thursday. Moderate flood stage is 15.5 feet.
• The Chehalis River at Doty is expected to crest at 14.25 feet by 4 a.m. Wednesday. Minor flood stage is 13 feet.
Earlier predictions had the Newaukum cresting at 11.96 feet and the Chehalis cresting at 65.22 feet.
Residents of areas immediately surrounding both rivers are urged to continue monitoring updates. The Chronicle will be getting in touch with local emergency managers to broadcast updates as the morning and afternoon continues.
