Forecasters Expect Rain to Ease in Yakima, Offering Hope for Floodwaters to Recede

Flooding continues in the Yakima Valley today as officials deal with downed trees, power outages and road closures but forecasters say the rain should start to taper off in the next few days.

DETOURS ARE IN PLACE IN NACHES

A post on the Naches Fire Department Facebook page says Highway 12 is closed in both directions in the Naches area because of flooding but a detour on local roads is available. The post says flood water is now impacting and moving east from the Little Red School House on the north side of Highway 12.

READ MORE: WATCH FOR SCAMS IN YAKIMA 

EASING RAIN BUT LEVELS STILL HIGH

Forecasters say the rain with will start to ease in the next few days and we'll see a "drying effect" allowing water levels to begin dropping. Firefighters say that should start to happen this afternoon along with receding water levels. However elevated water levels are to be expected through the weekend.

WHEN WILL WE BE SKIING?

Rain in the Cascades has pretty much wiped out any chance for many ski areas to open this weekend. Many are hoping for big storms next week after all the warm rain this week. Officials at the White Pass ski area say they're hoping for cooler temps and snow next week so they can open next weekend.

ALERTS REMAIN UNTIL WATERS RECEDE

A Level 2 Alert remains in effect on the Yakima River from Sundown M Ranch to The gap of Selah because of the high water.
Level 2 Evacuations remain in effect through Friday - FS1900 (Little Naches) to the Town of Naches, 200’ from the river.

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SIGN UP FOR ALERT YAKIMA

With all the flooding happening in the Yakima Valley you need to know when evacuation alerts are issued and when an emergency may be close to your home or business. The reason why you need to sign up for Alert Yakima, a special service provided by Yakima Valley Emergency Management.

NEED SANDBAGS?

If you need sandbags they're available near the Naches Fire Department where you'll also find sand. Sand and bags available just northwest of the station near the post office. The Yakima County Commissioners have declared a state of emergency because of major flooding hitting many areas in the Yakima Valley. The declaration makes Yakima eligible for state and federal repair funds in the future.