Officials Warn of Ongoing Flood Stage as Yakima River Remains High

The Yakima County Commissioners have declared a state of emergency because of major flooding hitting many areas in the Yakima Valley. The declaration allows the county to receive future state and federal dollars for repairs and other expenses.

PEOPLE RESCUED ALONG THE YAKIMA RIVER

Yakima Firefighters were busy Tuesday helping people who were stranded along the Yakima and Naches Rivers. In fact firefighters say they rescued 18 people from the high water including homeless camped by the Yakima River after the water turned their camp area into an island. The firefighters had help from crews flying helicopters from the Yakima Training Center.

READ MORE: STEVE HAHN TOYS FOR TOTS EVENT FRIDAY

LEVEL 2 ALERTS REMAIN AS WATER RISE

Officials at Yakima Valley Emergency Management have issued a Level 2 Alert on the Yakima River from Sundown M Ranch to the gap of Selah because of the high water.
Driving into Selah? Some standing water on the road is possible so be careful. Level 2 Evacuations remain in effect through Friday - FS1900 (Little Naches) to the Town of Naches, 200’ from the river. The Donald Bridge going into the city of Wapato has closed because of flooding.

NEED SANDBAGS? A SELF SERVE STATION AVAILABLE

If you need sandbags officials at Nile-Cliffdell Fire & Rescue District #14 say you're invited to the unmanned, self serve Sandbag Station in the parking lot of Station 14 (across from Rock Springs).

SIGN UP FOR CODE RED ALERTS

Forecasters warn the Yakima River will crest at 15.38 feet early Saturday, matching 2009 flood levels. Officials urge everyone to monitor conditions and sign up for CodeRED for real-time emergency alerts with Alert Yakima. You can sign up here.
According to officials at Nile-Cliffdell Fire & Rescue Dist #14 say the next few days will see the river level "ebb and flow" but it will remain high, at flood stage, through the week.

STAY HOME AND DON'T GO LOOKING FOR HIGH WATER

Lots of people are watching the water and that has a officials from the Naches Fire Department concerned. A Facebook post says people are gathering along Highway 12 and that poses a risk. They're hoping people allow the space so officials can work and evacuate areas hit by high water. They hope people find information and pictures on the Facebook pages of Nile-Cliffdell Fire & Rescue and The Naches Fire Department instead of stopping along Highway 12.