County announces first road restriction due to flooding

Lewis County has announced the first restriction of a roadway due to flood conditions during the 2014-2015 flood season.

A section of Teitzel Rd. near the bridge over South Hanaford Creek, east of Centralia, is restricted as of 2 p.m. Nov. 4 due to water over the roadway, which has been described as "passable" but still hazardous. This is the first of multiple expected roadway restrictions and closures during coming months as a result of winter flood and storm conditions, and updates may be accessed at http://roads.lewiscountywa.gov/.

The Lewis County Sheriff's Office has previously issued warnings over the dangers posed by flood conditions, with Sheriff Steve Mansfield stating in an Oct. 22 news release he feels preparedness will help local residents best-survive adverse road and weather conditions.

In the release, it was stated two individuals were killed during last year's flood season when they attempted to pass flooded roadways, and advised just 6 inches of water is enough to cause a pedestrian or motorist to come to harm. It also advised residents to prepare supplies at their home to last their household at least 3 to 7 days in the event a large-scale flood prevents normal access to goods and services.

Residents may also remain informed of impending or active weather alerts by enrolling in CodeRED, a service providing such notifications by phone and/or email, and can do so at lewiscountywa.gov/911-code-red, or by calling 1-866-939-0911.