Flash floods and storms could make Okanogan flooding worse today

The following is an update on behalf of the Okanogan Department of Emergency Management & Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team on the flooding in Okanogan County and a current flash flood warning:

OKANOGAN FLOODING 2018

Incident Update – May 17, 2018 12 P.M.

Okanogan County – The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch due to severe thunderstorms that are predicted for later today. These storms will produce the potential for flash floods especially over recent burn scars, as well as the possibility of rapidly rising tributary systems feeding into the Okanogan River. All citizens should be prepared for rising water and take appropriate actions to protect lives and property as necessary.

Flooding began last week when warm temperatures melted a record Canadian snowpack into the Okanogan, Similkameen and Methow rivers and their tributaries. Incident Commanders are working closely with the National Weather Service to monitor water levels, which are expected to continue to rise through the weekend. Residents living near these rivers should continue to monitor high water levels and be prepared to move to higher ground if necessary.

Colville Tribes Emergency Services has issued evacuation advisories for homes within Brooks Tract just outside of Omak, four homes in Malott and four residences along Omak Riverside Eastside Road. People with questions about these evacuation advisories can contact Tribal EOC at 509-422-7419 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. There are no other evacuation orders at this time.

The Okanogan River remains closed. The Red Cross has a shelter on standby in Tonasket, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 103 N. Whitcomb. The shelter is prepared to open quickly if necessary.

Potable drinking water for those in need is available at the following locations:

· Oroville City Shop, 915 Appleway

· Tonasket City Shop, 500 Railroad Ave.

· Riverside City Hall

Efforts are being organized by the Okanogan County Department of Emergency Management and the Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team. Crews from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Conservation Corps are working closely with the US Army Corps of Engineers, local officials and countless community volunteers and contractors to assess and strengthen flood protections.

For more information, contact the Okanogan County Emergency Operations Center at 509-422-7348.

Additional information and updates can be found on:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Okanogan.County.Emergency.Management

Inciweb - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5804/

Road Closures - http://okanogandem.org/map.htm