The reign of the rain

“Another beautiful day on the beach!” one old-timer just remarked to another.

And it’s not going to get any dryer, says the county:

The National Weather Service has posted a Flood Watch for Grays Harbor County which will be in effect until Saturday afternoon. Rain will be heavy locally with the coast receiving the most rainfall. The rain will taper off from the Northwest this afternoon but is expected to continue through the weekend. Storm amounts are expected to be 6-8” on the Olympics and 4-6”the Cascades. The high winds along the coast are expected to decrease by noon.

At this time the Satsop is projected to crest at 33.67 feet at 4pm today. Flood Stage is 34 feet. The observed level is 1.5 feet LOWER than the forecast levels as of 9am today.

The Chehalis is projected to crest at 20.50 feet at 10am Sunday morning. Flood Stage is 21 feet. The river will remain high through Monday morning.

The Wynoochee is still far below flood stage but observed 1.5 feet HIGHER than forecasted. Tacoma Power has begun releasing to keep the reservoir low. Current level is 11.24 feet with Flood Stage at 18 feet.

Flood Stage
An established gage height for a given location above which a rise in water surface level begins to create a hazard to lives, property, or commerce. The issuance of flood (or in some cases flash flood) warnings is linked to flood stage. Not necessarily the same as bankfull stage

***There will be some minor flooding in low lying pasture lands and roadways.***

Charles T Wallace
Deputy Director Of Emergency Management
Grays Harbor County
(360) 249-3911