River Flood Warning until SAT 5:41 PM PST

From McChord SFB Weather Alerts

Action Recommended

Avoid the subject event as per the instructions

Issued By

Seattle/Tacoma – WA, US, National Weather Service

Affected Area

Nisqually River Near National

Description

…FLOOD WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM THIS MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON… WHAT…Moderate flooding is occurring and major flooding is forecast. WHERE…Nisqually River Near National. WHEN…Until tomorrow afternoon. IMPACTS…At 15000.0 cfs, the Nisqually River will cause major flooding along the upper reaches of the river from Mt Rainier National Park downstream to Alder Lake. Deep and swift flood waters will inundate roads…pasture lands…and farms. The river will likely overtop some levees. Flooding will occur all along the river including headwaters…tributaries…and other streams within and near the Nisqually River Basin. ADDITIONAL DETAILS… – At 6:00 AM PST Friday the flow was 10800.0 cfs. – Recent Activity…The maximum river flow in the 24 hours ending at 6:00 AM PST Friday was 11200.0 cfs. – Forecast…The river will rise to 15399.3 cfs late this morning. It will then fall below flood stage tomorrow morning to 4054.6 cfs and begin rising again early Sunday morning. It will rise to 4442.9 cfs late Sunday morning. It will then fall again and remain below flood stage. – Flood flow is 8000.0 cfs. – Flood History…This crest compares to a previous crest of 15000.0 cfs on 01/15/1974. – http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

More Information

…The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Washington…

Snoqualmie River Near Snoqualmie Falls affecting King County.

Puyallup River Near Orting affecting Pierce County.

Nisqually River Near National affecting Lewis and Pierce Counties.

…The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Washington…

Skokomish River At Potlatch affecting Mason County.

Tolt River Above Carnation affecting King County. .

Heavy rain has led to river rises across western Washington. Additional rainfall is expected through much of today, gradually tapering off this evening.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Additional information is available at http://www.weather.gov. The next statement will be issued by this afternoon at 300 PM PST.

[Editor Note: Having worked for an auto insurance company, if you let your vehicle get into water to mid tires, you could be totaling your vehicle. If you drove in intentionally, you may NOT be covered by your insurance. Think first, go around the water another way!]