Record flooding covers much of Wahkiakum County

Over the past few days, Wahkiakum County has experienced what Sheriff John Mason has described as "record-breaking flooding." Last Friday, Dec. 5, the Wahkiakum County Department of Emergency Management posted a "heavy rain potential" warning for Monday, Dec. 8 - Wednesday, Dec. 10. The warning stated, "an atmospheric river will bring substantial rainfall to the Pacific Northwest next week" and "the heaviest rain is likely Monday through Wednesday." The projection was a 72-hour probability of 4+ inches of rain between 4 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 8 and 4 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11. At approximately 9:16 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, the Wahkiakum County Department of Emergency Management announced on its Facebook page State Route (SR) 4 was closed at Milepost 17 "due to flood waters per WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation). Travelers were advised to pursue alternate routes, including Oregon's Highway 30 between the Astoria-Megler Bridge and Lewis and Clark Bridge in Longview. The department also gave tips on how to prepare for the heavy rainfall, including clearing gutters and drains of leaves and other debris, securing outdoor items that could be blown away by winds and, if commuting, "slow down, use headlights, and leave distance between vehicles."

The Wahkiakum County Department of Emergency Management also posted sandbags and sand would be available to the public at the following locations: District 1 Fire, Puget Island Fire Station (475 State Route 409, Cathlamet); District 2 Fire, Skamokawa Fire Station (33 East Valley Road, Skamokawa); District 3 Fire, Station #2 Raistakka (4631 State Route 4, Rosburg); and District Fire 4, Station #2 Elochoman (704 Elochoman Valley Road, Cathlamet).

When approached for comment, Wahkiakum County Sheriff John Mason said, "We saw heavy flooding throughout the county over Monday and Tuesday nights with some areas experiencing record- breaking levels. The situation was safely and confidently managed through county-wide teamwork from our local County Roads Department, WSDOT, State Patrol, PUD, Fire Departments, 911 Dispatch, the Sheriff's Office, and Department of Emergency Management. I thank all involved who worked throughout the major timeframe of the event to keep the County as safe as possible. I especially thank the volunteer departments who gave so much of their time to problem solve for the community. A special thank you goes out to Austin Burkhalter and the rest of the Grays River Fire Department whose thoughtful planning allowed for emergency response through the floodwaters."

For more info, visit co.wahkiakum.wa.us.