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Wednesday, December 16, 2015

The Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service for Chehalis Washington

A great example of where flood inundation maps and accessible flood warning systems can help a community prepare for floods.




 

Contact:               Brent Bower                                                                      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
206-526-6095 x228                                                           December 15, 2015
                               
Flood Inundation Maps to Enhance Flood Forecasts for the Chehalis River

People living along the Chehalis River have a new tool from the National Weather Service to help them understand their risk during floods. A large section of the river is now depicted on flood maps that show people where the water will flow and what it will look like in their community when the river crests beyond its banks. The new flood inundation maps will also help local officials reduce flood impacts to communities by giving them more advanced information for planning.


The Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS) flood inundation map project for the Chehalis River demonstrates the National Weather Service’s commitment to identify specific flood impacts and help communities become more weather ready. When the National Weather Service issues river forecasts, residents and businesses will be able to use the maps of water levels for different stages to see what their flood threat is, and take action to protect themselves and their property.

The Centralia/Chehalis area is only the second western U.S. location after Boise to get the maps, which are available in 130 other locations with more being added all the time. The maps were produced in partnership with the Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority and their contractor, WEST Consultants, with the assistance of the local stakeholders – City of Centralia; City of Chehalis; Lewis County; Washington State Departments of Transportation, Ecology, and Emergency Management;  FEMA; and the U. S. Army Corps. of Engineers, Seattle District.

The flood maps are available in the AHPS webpage.

NOAA's National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. NOAA’s National Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy. Working with partners, NOAA’s National Weather Service is building a Weather-Ready Nation to support community resilience in the face of increasing vulnerability to extreme weather. Visit us online at weather.gov and on Facebook.


On the Web:
NOAA’s National Weather Service: http://www.weather.gov

NOAA’s National Weather Service Seattle: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sew/

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