Flooding Closes 20-Mile Stretch Of I-5
Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to close a 20-mile segment of I-5 in both directions.
The closure, which began overnight Thursday as the Chehalis overflowed its bounds and poured onto the highway, is in effect between Grand Mound (milepost 88) and US 12 south of Chehalis (milepost 68). WSDOT says it does not know when the road will reopen, but that current weather forecasts predict the flooding will linger through at least Sunday morning.
That closure, plus the closures in the mountain passes, mean Puget Sound residents are effectively cut off from travelling south or east, unless they want to scurry around on slow-going byways.
Drivers trying to make their way north or south along I-5 are encouraged to try and find those other byways, though WSDOT warns that the Chehalis River flooding is likely to intermittently close other roads in the immediate area, and asks that drivers have patience while trying to make their way around the closure.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/flooding-closes-20-mile-stretch-of-i-5/ar-AASxDBB
Flooding spreads across South Sound, stranding motorists and residents
Jan. 7—Rivers across the South Sound reached their flood threshold following nonstop rain and melting snow, prompting the American Red Cross to open a shelter for those needing a dry refuge.
The shelter opened at 5 p.m. Thursday at Centralia Middle School on Johnson Road. Individuals affected by flooding in Thurston, Grays Harbor and Lewis counties were encouraged to go there for immediate support, according to a release from the American Red Cross. Food, cots and other emergency supplies are available at the shelter.
Those evacuating from their homes were encouraged to bring along any emergency medication or prescriptions, extra clothing, pillows and blankets, hygiene items and important documents. Face masks were required in the shelter regardless of vaccination status.
Ben Miller-Todd with Thurston County Emergency Management said the shelter may have to be moved due to ongoing flooding and worsening conditions around I-5 in Centralia. He said Emergency Management is still working to find a new location.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/flooding-spreads-across-south-sound-stranding-motorists-and-residents/ar-AASyhSc
Homes flooded, Front Street closed as Issaquah reaches Stage 2 flood levels
On Friday, Issaquah officials said the city reached Stage 2 flood levels, out of four.
Homes along the East Fork of Issaquah were flooded, with water seeping through front doors and into crawl spaces, according to Issaquah Mayor Mary Lou Pauly.
KIRO 7 crews saw many cars submerged in waters that overflowed from the Issaquah Creek.
Officials said the creek crested around 4 a.m.
Link to tweet
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/homes-flooded-front-street-closed-as-issaquah-reaches-stage-2-flood-levels/ar-AASxjW2
