BY PEPPER FISHER
Clallam County – As the rain continues in our region, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Wednesday declared a Flood Warning for the Elwha River At McDonald Bridge, where they’re saying major flooding is forecast until late tomorrow morning.
As of Wednesday morning at 10:00, the river level was measured at a little over 17 feet. 20 feet is considered minor flood stage there, 21.5 feet is moderate, and 23 feet brings major flooding, and that is being predicted by NOAA to occur at 4:00 this afternoon.
They define the effects major flooding as deep and swift flood waters inundating roads…farm lands…and residential areas.
NOAA says erosion will likely damage river banks. Flooding will occur all along the river including headwaters… tributaries…and other streams within and near the Elwha River Basin.
Clallam County Emergency Management Coordinator Justine Chorley has this advice for people living or traveling in area of the river today.
“What I’m suggesting is be situationally aware, which means, be aware of your surroundings. If you live near the Elwha River and your on lower ground, keep an eye on things. And do not hesitate to leave if you feel like you need to. Also, in terms of roadways, there could be not only flood from the Elwha River and low-lying areas along the roads but, with all of this rain, anywhere in the county, we could get a little bit of flooding over the roadways from blocked culverts and drains. And if there’s standing water on the road, do not try to drive through it. Turn around.”
NOAA says the river is expected to rise above flood stage around 4:00pm today, and should fall below flood stage just after midnight tonight.
NOAA says the last time the Elwha River crested that high was on December 26, 1980.
The next statement will be issued by this afternoon at 5:30 PM.