Flash Flood Warning in Southeast Washington

Active for next 2 hours, 1 minuteLocation: Kittitas; Klickitat; Yakima – SEE MAP

The National Weather Service in Pendleton has issued a Flash Flood Warning for: Kittitas County in central Washington. This includes the city of Ellensburg. Extreme Northwestern Klickitat County in central Washington. Yakima County in south central Washington. This includes the cities of: Yakima, Toppenish.

  • Until 11:00 pm PDT.
  • At 6:54 pm PDT, National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated flash flooding from thunderstorms along a line extending from Roza to 13 miles southwest of Goose Prairie, or along a line extending from 13 miles south of Ellensburg to 36 miles southeast of Enumclaw, moving north at 30 mph.

Recommended actions

Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small creeks and streams, highways and underpasses. Additionally, Country Roads and farmlands along the banks of creeks, streams and other low lying areas are subject to flooding.

Do not drive your vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. The water depth may be too great to allow your car to cross safely. Move to higher ground.

A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring. If you are in the warning area move to higher ground immediately. Residents living along streams and creeks should take immediate precautions to protect life and property. Do not attempt to cross swiftly flowing waters or waters of unknown depth by foot or by automobile.

Excerpted from ready.gov Before:

  • Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
  • Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.
  • Consider installing “check valves” to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
  • If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
  • More about:
  • What to do before a flood.

During:

  • Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
  • If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:
    • Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
    • Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
  • Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.
  • If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:
    • Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
    • Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly.
    • Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.
  • More about:
  • What to do during a flood.

What is a Flash Flood Warning?

StatementWatchWarning

This warning signifies a short duration of intense flooding of counties, communities, streams, or urban areas with high peak rate of flow. Flash floods may result from such things as torrential downpours, dam breaks, or ice jam breaks. They are issued by the local National Weather Service Office for 4 hours or less. Since flash flooding can occur in severe thunderstorms, this type of warning can be combined with either a Tornado Warning or a Severe Thunderstorm Warning. Source: srh.noaa.gov

Other Resources: Home Flood Safety Guide