Thousands told to flee Washington state floods
Orting under water?
Fire trucks rolled through Orting, about 10 miles southeast of Tacoma, with loudspeakers advising everyone to leave the town and surrounding valley, home to about 26,000 people. Sandbags were placed around many downtown homes and businesses as the Puyallup River neared record levels. It was forecast to crest Thursday.
"They expect the town of Orting to go under water," Pierce County sheriff's Detective Ed Troyer said, adding that the flooding could be the worst in more than a decade.
Barbara Nelson, a spokeswoman for Pierce County Emergency Management, said Wednesday night she was not aware of any major damage in the Orting area, but added the extent of damage likely would not be evident until daylight.
"At this point, the main water in the city itself is a result of the rain and not the river overtopping any levees," she said.
Some residents also left their homes in the nearby towns of Puyallup and Sumner. Fife Mayor Barry Johnson suggested roughly 6,000 people voluntarily leave their homes and offices in that city near Tacoma and Interstate 5.
Tacoma Mayor Bill Baarsma declared a civil emergency because of flood risks at Puyallup River.
1 comment:
Yikes! That is scary, hope everything turns out ok. (and to the post above) Glad everyone is out ok and safe for now.
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