Naches, WA – Floodwaters are already rising along the Naches River, with levels at flood stage late Wednesday night and expected to climb higher, threatening roads and low-lying areas through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, the river reached 17.8 feet by 9:45 p.m. Wednesday, officially at flood stage. Water levels are forecast to rise to 19.4 feet by late Saturday morning, reaching moderate flooding levels that could impact areas from Cliffdell downstream through Naches and toward Yakima.
Flooding at these levels may inundate nearby roads, agricultural land, and properties close to the riverbanks. Communities along State Route 410 and surrounding rural roads should prepare for possible closures or water over roadways, especially during peak river levels Saturday into early Sunday.
Residents are urged to avoid flooded roadways and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions. Emergency officials stress that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles, making it critical to turn around when encountering water-covered roads.
River levels are expected to fall below flood stage late Sunday evening, but additional rises are possible early next week. Warnings remain in effect through Sunday night, and further updates could follow as conditions evolve.
