Rotary Riverside Park to close — 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10:
The City of Centralia Parks and Recreation Department will close Rotary Riverside Park at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9, due to anticipated minor flooding from the Skookumchuck River.
The river is expected to inundate low lying areas of the park at some point on Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning. The park will remain closed until further notice — but only as long as needed — to ensure public safety.
During this time:
“We appreciate your patience and cooperation,” the city wrote.
For further information, contact Amy Buckler, parks director, at 360-330-7674 or abuckler@cityofcentralia.com.
School closures and delays — 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10:
Below are school closures and delays that have been announced to The Chronicle. NOTE: This list should not be considered complete and comprehensive, and information will change over time. Consult with your local school district for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Morning river report — 6 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10:
As projected, Lewis County area rivers are on the rise once again on Wednesday morning, with the attention of emergency management officials still focused on the Cowlitz River at Randle and Packwood.
Here’s where things stand as of 6 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10:
Keep an eye on local rivers here: https://rivers.lewiscountywa.gov/#/
Lewis County Emergency Management flood update — 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9:
The following is a news release from Lewis County Emergency Management:
Lewis County is bracing for the second – and likely more severe – round of flooding beginning later this afternoon and continuing through Wednesday night. This next surge of heavy rain is expected to cause higher river crests and greater impacts than what we’ve already experienced.
If you live in any flood-prone area of Lewis County OR if you have been asked to leave by officials, please consider seeking shelter at higher ground.
According to the most recent reports, the Cowlitz, Chehalis, Skookumchuck, and Newaukum Rivers are all expected to crest higher than the first round of flooding we experienced earlier today. Flooding is expected to worsen after dark tonight.
Shelter Information
For assistance, contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
Safety Reminders
Do NOT drive through flooded roads.
Six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet, 12 inches can carry away a small car, and 18–24 inches can sweep away trucks and SUVs. Road closures are in place for a reason—they are dangerous and legally enforceable.
Do NOT wait for conditions to get worse.
A lull in rainfall does NOT mean the threat is over. This system is delivering a one-two punch, with the second round expected to be more impactful.
More Heavy Rain Is Coming
The latest NWS briefing shows heavy precipitation returning tonight and continuing through Wednesday, with widespread significant river flooding, landslide risk, and gusty winds expected across Lewis County.
Stay Informed
For continuous updates, river forecasts, shelter details, and preparedness information, please visit the Lewis County Emergency Management webpage at:
https://lewiscountywa.gov/emergency-management
We will continue posting updates throughout this event.
Stay safe, stay alert, and take action early.
Scenes from flooding in Randle — 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9:
Lewis County declares emergency as flooding continues — 4:45 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9,:
By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com
The worst is likely yet to come as forecasts predict flood levels will return to recent highs or even higher in the coming days.
The Lewis County Board of Commissioners declared a countywide state of emergency Tuesday morning during the board's regular business meeting.
The emergency resolution gives the county and its departments special rights to spend money and take actions without the normal procedures in pursuit of protecting and rescuing county citizens during flooding.
According to the resolution, the emergency is expected to last for 21 days.
“Designated departments are authorized to enter into contracts and incur obligations necessary to combat such emergency, protecting the health and safety of persons and property, and providing emergency assistance to the victims of such emergency,” states the resolution.
The Lewis County Department of Emergency Management and county staff stated during the meeting that flooding was likely to continue or even get worse through at least through Wednesday night.
An update from the department posted on Facebook Tuesday afternoon stated the same and warned residents of frequently flooding areas to evacuate now before conditions worsen.
“Rivers rose overnight, dropped slightly early this morning, and are expected to rise again later today through Wednesday night,” Lewis County Manager Ryan Barrett said. “Current modeling indicates the second surge may reach equal or higher levels than yesterday's peak, particularly along the Cowlitz and Newaukum rivers.”
The later announcement from Lewis County Emergency Management added that water levels are expected to rise in most, if not all, of the major local rivers, including the Cowlitz, Newaukum, Chehalis and Skookumchuck.
The announcement specifies that residents of the Cascade foothills in flood-prone areas “including but not limited to the Cascade Peaks area in Randle and the Hamilton Road area in Chehalis” should take precautions.
The Cowlitz River remains the county’s largest concern for flooding. The Cora Bridge along U.S. Highway 12 is expected to close if water levels on the river continue to rise.
Director of Lewis County Emergency Management Erika Katt entered the meeting late and left quickly after her statements on the flood. She urged county staff and residents not to get complacent or expect the flooding to go away.
She added that it's important that residents evacuate when told to and that people traveling should not attempt to drive through flood waters, echoing a common phrase in the area: “turn around, don’t drown.”
“The biggest messaging we want to send out to folks is, if you see water or the roadway, do not go in and try to drive through it,” Katt said. “If you are being told to evacuate, or if there's a need to leave, please listen.”
Catch up on all the local flood news at The Chronicle’s Flood Central.
Residents evacuate Chehalis Avenue Apartments — 4:45 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9:
Lewis County Gospel Mission hit by flooding — 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9:
Flood shelters open in Lewis County — 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9:
The American Red Cross has opened a flooding evacuation shelter at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2190 Jackson Highway, Chehalis, for those who have been displaced due to flooding. Anyone impacted by flooding is welcome to get a warm meal, connect with others and find support.
Other flood shelter locations open in Lewis County as of Tuesday afternoon are:
Flood meeting canceled due to ... flooding — 4 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9:
Locals prepared to attend a public meeting this week on a flood-related project, but that meeting was canceled because of, you guessed it, flooding.
The Washington state Department of Ecology announced on Tuesday morning that a meeting scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. that evening on the Centralia College campus would be canceled. The college campus announced early in the morning that it would close both its Centralia campus and its East Lewis County campus in Morton.
The cancellation could be considered equal parts ironic and validating for those working on flooding issues. The meeting was meant to discuss a recent environmental impact statement study on a proposed flow-through dam that, if approved, would be constructed on the Chehalis River near Pe Ell.
“Unfortunately, due to severe weather, Ecology is canceling tonight’s (Dec. 9) in-person public meeting at Centralia College for the Chehalis River Basin Flood Damage Reduction project draft environmental impact statement (EIS),” reads the statement. “The college has closed the campus due to flooding concerns.”
A meeting on a project designed to address flooding being canceled by flooding may just be the latest example of why the work is still needed.
The evening meeting was expected to begin an information session at 6 p.m. with time after for official public comment before concluding at 8 p.m. However, the meeting is now canceled and the department has not signaled if the meeting will be rescheduled.
A second meeting at the same time and location and on the same subject is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 6, and an online version of the public meeting is scheduled for later this week Thursday, Dec. 11. For more information on how to participate in the online meeting later this week, visit https://tinyurl.com/yf52j393.
The department also plans to have an additional in-person meeting in Aberdeen on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and a second online meeting on Thursday, Jan. 8.
Interstate 5 Exit 77 to Pe Ell closed — 3:44 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9:
Reader photos — 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9:
Dale Hylton provided these photos from above on Tuesday, Dec. 9. To submit photos to The Chronicle, email news@chronline.com.
Lewis County flood news release — 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9:
Chehalis Avenue Apartments flooding — 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9:
Here's where local rivers stand as of 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9:
Kresky detour expected to open by 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9:
The public works departments of Centralia and Chehalis are working to temporarily convert National/Gold Street into a two-way (North/South) street from Hampe Way to Summa Street. This detour should be in place by 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, Centralia agencies announced at about 12:30 p.m. Drivers are encouraged to pay close attention to signs and cones as they utilize this route. Current forecasts indicate that river levels on the Chehalis and Skookumchuck Rivers will continue to fall through Tuesday, with no widespread flooding or road closures anticipated. Minor pooling of water on some roadways may persist in low-lying areas during ongoing light rain.
Fifth wheel occupants rescued in Randle — 12:40 p.m., Nov. 9:
Rescue crews arrive in Randle — 11:50 p.m., Nov. 9:
Reader photos:
Laura Bailey provided these aerial photos showing Kirkland Road, Exit 77 in Napavine, Kresky Avenue in the Twin Cities and the Newaukum Golf Course on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
A look at the Cowlitz River at Randle:
Here's a look at flooding from the Cowlitz River at Randle at about 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9.
Here's where local rivers stand as of 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9:
Tuesday morning updates:
As several major roadways — including U.S. Highway 12 at Morton — remain closed due to water over the roadway on Tuesday morning, officials are urging motorists not to drive through standing water.
Interstate 5 remains open, but all ramps at Exit 72 at Rush Road in Napavine remain closed. Several vehicles remained submerged at the exit on Tuesday morning.
Tuesday morning scenes:
Tuesday morning update:
Areas of U.S. Highway 12, state Route 508 and state Route 6 were closed due to water over the roadway overnight Monday and into Tuesday as flood watches and warnings persist across Lewis County and beyond.
Many area schools — including Morton, White Pass and Toledo — have closed on Tuesday as the flooding situation continues to unfold.
The Cowlitz River at Packwood and Randle remains the greatest area of concern locally. At Randle, the river was entering major flood stage on Tuesday morning. It is expected to remain in that range into Thursday or Friday. At Packwood, the water has started to recede after reaching moderate flood stage overnight — but that reprieve isn’t expected to last. The river is expected to crest again at major flood level — just one foot below the record, according to the NOAA — by 10 a.m. Wednesday before beginning to recede again.
Emergency officials are also keeping an eye on the Newaukum River near Chehalis, which was nearing major flood stage on Tuesday morning.
The Chehalis and Skookumchuck rivers are also expected to reach flood stage at various points this week. The outlook for the Skookumchuck has worsened at gauges at Centralia and Bucoda. At both points of the river, rising water is expected to recede slightly before heading to a new, higher crest in the moderate flood range on Wednesday and Thursday into Friday.
A second round of heavy rain is expected to begin Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday.
Watch river gauges and predictions here: https://rivers.lewiscountywa.gov/#/.
Previous:
Lewis County has issued the following news release as the region faces the threat of severe flooding this week. This link will be updated throughout the current flooding event with updates as they are announced by officials:
Lewis County emergency officials are urging residents to prepare for significant flooding beginning today as a strong storm system moves into the region. Forecasts indicate the possibility of a “double-crest” event, meaning rivers may rise, fall briefly and then rise again Tuesday into Wednesday – potentially reaching higher levels during the second surge.
With forecasters predicting high winds in addition to flooding along the Chehalis, Skookumchuck, Newaukum and Cowlitz rivers, officials say road closures and power outages are likely. Floodwaters are predicted to reach major flood stage along the Cowlitz River, prompting officials to warn residents and travelers about the potential closure of Cora Bridge on U.S. Highway 12, which would disrupt access to Randle and Packwood and potentially isolate those areas until the waters recede.
Double-crest flood risk:
During a Monday-morning National Weather Service (NWS) briefing with hundreds of emergency personnel from across the state, meteorologist Kirby Cook said a strong atmospheric river is likely to dump up to 7 inches of rain on Lewis County, delivering a one-two punch as it slams the area today then returns with a second wave Tuesday night into Wednesday. He said that “double crest” likely will be followed by a weaker system Thursday.
“Widespread, significant river flooding is expected,” Cook said.
On top of that, experts are predicting wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph today, increasing the chance of downed trees and power lines.
County officials urged residents to be vigilant about the high winds and the “double crest.” As Department of Emergency Management Deputy Director Erika Katt noted, the second crest can be higher and more dangerous, especially when soils and rivers are already saturated.
Highway 12/Cora Bridge concerns
The Cora Bridge area along Highway 12 is historically flood-prone, and with elevated flows expected on the Cowlitz River, officials warn that access through the area could close with little notice.
Residents, travelers and commercial drivers should:
Campers along the Cowlitz River strongly urged to leave:
Lewis County is issuing a strong advisory for anyone camping along the Cowlitz River – particularly at River Run Ranch and Cascade Peaks – to leave immediately.
Because these campgrounds sit directly on the riverbank, conditions can become dangerous very quickly during a double-crest event. Rising water may arrive suddenly, especially overnight.
Campers should:
County actions
Lewis County Emergency Management, Sheriff’s Office and Public Works personnel are:
Self-serve sandbag locations (bring your own shovel):
Lewis County and other governmental entities have opened self-serve sandbag locations throughout the county. They are as follows:
Lewis County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) web page and links:
DEM’s page at https://lewiscountywa.gov/departments/emergency-management/ includes county-specific flood information, including links to the following:
Water and wind safety:
Emergency officials advise residents to heed the “Turn around, don’t drown” warning, noting that six inches of fast-moving water can knock over and carry away an adult while 12 inches can carry away a small car and 18-24 inches can carry away most large SUVs, vans and trucks.
With strong winds also in the forecast, officials warn residents to secure loose outdoor objects, steer clear of downed trees and power lines, and prepare for power outages.
To report water over the roadway or power outages:
(Pictured: Vehicles drive along U.S. Highway 12 in Randle as water from the Cowlitz River floods portions of the Big Bottom valley in December 2023.)
