Weather
Flooding, Mudslides And Road Closures In Pierce County Thursday
Flood warnings continued along four Pierce County rivers Thursday afternoon, bringing several mudslides and road closures.
SUMNER, WA — Widespread rain throughout Puget Sound brought floodwaters to several Pierce County rivers Thursday, spurring multiple mudslides and several road closures.
National Weather Service forecasters said heavy rain in the central and southern Cascades could bring precipitation amounts between 2.5 and 5 inches in some areas. Pierce County officials warned those living near floodplain areas to remain alert and closely monitor changing conditions.
Find out what's happening in Bonney Lake-Sumnerfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In Puyallup, several roads were closed near the North Meridian Bridge due to minor flooding along the Puyallup River. Police said Levee Road was closed beneath the bridge, and the Riverwalk Trail was completely blocked off due to high waters. Puyallup Police later closed 4th Avenue Northeast at North Meridian. Police said the Clock Tower Apartments could be accessed from the gate at 4th Street Northeast.
Other county road closures included South Prairie Creek Road and Pioneer Way East, from Orville Road East in Orting, to Spring Site Road in South Prairie. Pierce County deputies were sent to check homes in the neighborhood and help anyone who needed to leave. Sections of the Foothills Trail, running between Orting and South Prairie, were closed due to flooding at South Prairie Creek.
Find out what's happening in Bonney Lake-Sumnerfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Current road closures include South Prairie Creek Rd and Pioneer Way E. from Orville Rd E in Orting to Spring Site Rd in South Prairie. Our deputies performed residence checks at homes along South Prairie Creek Rd & assisted residents who wanted to leave the flooded neighborhood. pic.twitter.com/4b639YvU2L
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) February 6, 2020
Find a current list of all road impacts via the Pierce County website.
In Sumner, city officials opened an Emergency Operations Center Thursday afternoon to monitor flooding along the White and Puyallup rivers. The city notified residents of Ranier Manor and the Retreat to be on alert due to rising waters in the Riverwalk area. Stewart Road Bridge, over White River, remains open, but the city said it would keep a close eye on rising water levels.
Flooding Update in #Sumner 2/4: The Puyallup River is also rising. Images from Riverwalk area. We believe City sandbags will hold current predictions but PD is alerting residents of Rainier Manor & The Retreat out of precaution. Full update here: https://t.co/sYvsJsUYYp pic.twitter.com/NvifAMHyI2
— Sumner, Washington (@CityOfSumnerWA) February 6, 2020
The Pierce County Sheriff's Department said landslides blocked three roads leading toward Mount Rainier. Another slide blocked the West Valley Highway between Ellingson Road and 3rd Avenue Southwest in Pacific. Transportation officials announced a stretch of State Route 410 would remain fully closed until at least daybreak Friday.
Landslides blocking roads in our Foothills detachment: - State Route 410 at MP 40 & 49 in Greenwater - Fairfax Forest Reserve Rd by Carbon River Ranger Station in Carbonado - State Route 706 by Kernahan Rd in Ashford Drivers should expect delays & use other routes if possible. pic.twitter.com/tm4mwz8GJ5
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) February 6, 2020
In McKenna, increased river flow from the LaGrande Dam led to flooding in fields and on roads. Tacoma Power increased water flow at the dam earlier in the afternoon, prompting some evacuations in Thurston County along the Nisqually Delta.
Monitor current river activity via NOAA's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service.
According to the National Weather Service, heavy rain will continue through early Friday, continuing the potential for further flooding and heightened landslide risks. Another wet weather system is expected Friday night into Saturday. NWS Seattle said a long-awaited dry period is expected to begin Sunday and should continue into early next week.
Sign up for Pierce County emergency alerts here.
Latest Updates:
Water running fast and high at the Nisqually River near McKenna. Swiftwater Rescue Team performed a site check this afternoon & saw several large logs floating downriver. River is expected to crest tonight. pic.twitter.com/mgmQicJDlQ
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) February 7, 2020
This is the tailrace overspilling banks north of 24th Street east of the White River. Future site of the White River Restoration Project designed to provide long-term flood protection & wildlife restoration. Can't get it built fast enough! #wawx #flooding pic.twitter.com/Ss9jFIXCV7
— Sumner, Washington (@CityOfSumnerWA) February 7, 2020
The White River is now above the highest prediction. Thank goodness our @HESCOGroup are in. Water is halfway up them along banks south of Stewart Rd Bridge. That's the Hesco on the left. #wawx #flooding pic.twitter.com/3K1wBRlScq
— Sumner, Washington (@CityOfSumnerWA) February 6, 2020
Houston Rd E near SR 410 in Puyallup closed due to flooding. #itswetouthere pic.twitter.com/tBUtckLerh
— Central Pierce Fire & Rescue (@CentralPierce) February 7, 2020
Amazing drone video from over South Prairie Creek in the Orting area. Please note: - the road is definitely flooded - it is definitely still raining - people definitely should not be driving on this road We can't say this enough times... TURN AROUND - DON'T DROWN!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/bPbmfCdfg2
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) February 7, 2020
Within city limits, water is over the roadway at: 233rd between SR410 and 96thSt E• West Tapps at Church Lake Road 182nd Ave (One Way) near Lake Bonney...182nd Ave behind the Lakeridge Middle School. Signs are posted, Should more signs or closures occur, we’ll let you know. pic.twitter.com/xmavOdOraV
— BonneyLakePolice PIO (@BLPoliceDept) February 7, 2020
Do not approach river or stream banks during this time. The water is running high and the currents are fast. River and stream banks are wet and could collapse under you. If you live near a river or stream that is running high, be careful and monitor local media for updates.
— Pierce County, Wash. (@PierceCo) February 6, 2020
Traffic Alert Update: the south side bypass road under the N Meridian Bridge between Fred Meyer and Tiffany’s Skating (4 Ave NE) is also CLOSED due to Puyallup River Flooding. Alternate Routes Advised. This will be a very tough area for the evening commute. Plan ahead. pic.twitter.com/4YLKuodcue
— Puyallup Police (@PuyallupPD) February 6, 2020
#Mudslide SR 410 and MP 40. Road fully closed. There is also another slide at MP 49. @wsdot_traffic is working on cleanup and assessment. No ETA for reopening. Follow @wsdot_traffic for updates. Avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/EV0UxXQhLg
— Trooper Rick Johnson (@wspd2pio) February 6, 2020
As a reminder, if you see water over a roadway please "TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN". Moving water is extremely dangerous - it is never safe to walk or drive into flood waters. Do not underestimate the power of water! pic.twitter.com/xTGLNOLYIe
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) February 6, 2020
Also, technically it's over the line in @PierceCo, but they have closed Houston Road just beyond the #Sumner border under SR410. Use alternate routes. #wawx #flooding pic.twitter.com/hcATdNglr3
— Sumner, Washington (@CityOfSumnerWA) February 6, 2020
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