Evacuations Ordered in Cowlitz County‏

Due to the rain and flooding, churches, clubs, schools, and community groups are encouraged to cancel evening activities.

Salem-News.com

(KELSO, Wash.) - Officials in Cowlitz County say the area is continuing to experience floods and slides. The county has declared an emergency as conditions are expected to worsen. (see: Cowlitz County Declares Emergency‏)

Notice of evacuation has been given to residents in the south portion of Kelso, both east and west of Interstate 5, Toutle area near county roads Sightly, Canal and Moore, and in the city of Woodland a Mobile home park and a R.V park at 2009 Lewis River Road.

The rising waters have necessitated sand bag protection at the Brook Hollow Mobile Home park located on East Allen Street, Cowlitz County's Mike Murphy said.

The Cowlitz County Maintenance Shop is the scene of flooding, so sand bags and sand, may now be obtained at the North entrance of the fair grounds located at 1900 7th, in Longview.

Murphy says people need to take the storm's potential threat seriously. "We request individuals to stay out of the affected areas, and to shelter in place unless there is an emergency."

He added, "Don't call 9-1-1 unless you have a real emergency. 9-1-1 operators are very busy with operations and do not have the time to answer routine questions."

Due to the rain and flooding, churches, clubs, schools, and community groups are encouraged to cancel evening activities.

Hours to go

The Cowlitz River continues to rise in the Castle Rock area and is expected to crest at 4:00 AM, Thursday morning. Staff continues to monitor the river level and does not anticipate it to breach the levee.

Officials in Castle Rock ask people to consider what actions you and your family may need to take in the event an evacuation is necessary. If you are asked to evacuate, neighborhoods will be notified by lights and sirens.

Notifications will also be announced over an emergency PA system and the reverse 911 system (telephone). This information is also being provided to the media.

If an evacuation is necessary emergency service personnel will be extremely busy and their resources may be limited, so please keep that in mind, but call 911 in the event of an actual emergency.

Cowlitz County Public Works is installing 7 additional pumps at the McCorkle Creek pump station in Lexington. As a result the West Side Hwy is closed at Ponderosa Drive effective 9:00 PM Wednesday until further notice to accommodate the necessary discharge piping.

The additional pumps are to augment the existing pumping capacity. There have been no pump failures at that location. Residents that regularly use West Side Hwy in that area will need to find alternate routes.

Shelters for those displaced by evacuations and or flooding are available at the following locations:

Cowlitz County Expo Center located at 1900 7th Ave, Kelso;

Kelso Presbyterian Church located at 215 Academy St., Kelso;

New Life Fellowship Church located at 2441 42nd Ave, Longview;

Kalama High School located at 548 China Garden Rd., Kalama;

Woodland High School located at 757 Park St., Woodland

River levels:

The Cowlitz River at Kelso is forecast to crest at 25.7 feet at 12:00 PM Thursday.

The Cowlitz River at Castle Rock is forecast to crest at 55.5 feet at 4:00 AM Thursday.

The Lewis River at Woodland is forecast to crest at 25.4 feet at 2:00 PM Thursday.

Cowlitz County Residents that live in areas susceptible to flooding are encouraged to find alternate shelter until this storm event and floodwaters subside.

Those that choose to stay in their residences should monitor conditions in their area closely for changing conditions to ensure that they have time to leave if necessary. All residents are reminded to maintain at least 72 hours of emergency provisions, including any necessary medications, for all family members and pets.

For continued update on weather related conditions please visit our web site at cowlitzcountydem.blogspot.com.