A high tide will combine with strong winds today to create a significant chance of flooding in Aberdeen, according to city engineer Kris Koski.
“Due to low pressure and strong winds, the actual tide on Thursday may be two to four feet higher than the predicted high of 11.28 feet,” he said. “These water levels have the potential to overtop the banks of the Wishkah River, Chehalis River and Grays Harbor.”
Creeks and storm drainage systems may also become flooded, said Koski.
“This has the potential to be a major coastal flooding event, and all low-lying areas of the city have the potential to be affected,” he said. “The highest risk for coastal flooding will be within two to three hours of the predicted high tide at 10:46 a.m., although flooding may be possible throughout the day.”
Koski offered some tips to deal with the flooding. First, stay tuned to news and weather alerts. Check the National Weather Service’s website at weather.gov/sew. Be prepared by:
• Obtaining free sandbags at the city’s shop at 1201 W Heron Street. Place sandbags around doors and building openings.
• Moving valuables or lifting them up out of areas that flood.
• Staying out of floodwaters and flooded areas if possible.
• The city strongly advises against driving through floodwater. If you do, drive very slowly — 5 mph at the most — said Koski, as wakes from vehicles swamp adjacent homes and businesses, causing needless damage.
• Keeping drains clear by using a rake or other hand tool to clear debris. This will help floodwaters to drain out of the area after the tide has ebbed. Do not use hands, feet, or other body parts to clear debris.
High wind warning
The National Weather Service has upgraded the High Wind Watch to a High Wind Warning for the north and central coast in effect from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday. Southerly winds will be sustained at 30 to 40 mph with gusts to 60 mph. The strongest winds will be along the beaches and near the shoreline of Grays Harbor, warned Hannah Cleverly with Grays Harbor Emergency Management. The East County as of midday Wednesday was in a High Wind Advisory status with predicted 30-35 mph sustained sustained winds, with 45 mph gusts. Cleverly said this system will be similar to last Friday’s system that came through, meaning it will be fairly quick but strong.
Coastal Flood Warning
The National Weather Service in Seattle upgraded the Coastal Flood Watch to a Coastal Flood Warning on Wednesday morning. Cleverly said the warning will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. Tides could be as much as 3 feet higher than predicted, which will affect areas including Westport, Ocean Shores, Moclips, Taholah, and low-lying areas including Aberdeen and Hoquiam. Coastal flooding is likely for around two to three hours before and after the time of high tide, around 10:30. The National Weather Service states that significant beach erosion is possible.
High Surf Advisory
The High Surf Advisory was in effect until 4 p.m. Wednesday with around 20-foot swells, said Cleverly. The National Weather Service states the waves will return today with about 20-foot waves in the morning increasing to 25 feet in the afternoon. Use caution when near beaches and jetties and watch for sneaker waves.
