Flood committee urges preparation
By Terry Murry on Friday, February 19th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WAITSBURG – While meteorologists believe the snow will melt slowly enough to circumvent any major flooding, the Waitsburg Flood Committee is urging residents to be cautious and prepare – just in case.
The committee said that Umatilla and Walla Walla counties’ emergency management officials say there is a chance of water filling ditches and barrow pits along roads and some rises in rivers, mostly at lower reaches. Both agencies will continue to monitor for signs of atmospheric river or high-precipitation events that might cause flooding throughout the snow melt season.
The committee stated that the overall feeling is that flooding is unlikely during the next week or so because there is a lack of critical components for flooding.
“There is no indication of any potential flooding on any of the city’s gauges,” Waitsburg City Administrator Randy Hinchcliffe stated.
Up to 26 inches of snow had been measured in the Waitsburg area as of Feb. 16. The committee is urging preparation. Like securing basements and items outside the home and stocking up on sandbags from the Waitsburg Fairgrounds.
“Let’s hope for the best and prepare for the worst,” the committee stated.
File photo of the Waitsburg flood last year.
