JOINT PRESS RELEASE Centralia Police Department • Centralia Public Works • Riverside Fire Authority • Centralia Emergency Management

 

December 8, 2025

 

Centralia Agencies Encourage Residents to Stay Informed and Drive Safely Ahead of the Flood Season’s First Significant Rainfall

 

Centralia, WA – With the first heavy rainfall of the flood season in the forecast this week, Centralia Emergency Management is actively monitoring conditions and preparing routine resources, including making sandbags available if needed.

Current forecasts call for periods of heavy rain Monday into Tuesday, followed by rising river levels on the Chehalis and Skookumchuck Rivers later in the week (December 10-13). At this time, river levels are expected to remain below flood stage and no road closures or widespread flooding are anticipated. As always, minor pooling of water on some roadways is possible during heavy rain.

Our community is encouraged to take a few simple steps to stay safe and informed:

• Stay updated by signing up for free emergency alerts at: https://lewiscountywa.gov/departments/emergency-management/lewis-county-alert/
• Monitor local river levels in real time at: https://rivers.lewiscountywa.gov/#/ or https://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/rfc/
• Visit the City of Centralia’s Emergency Management page for preparedness tips and resources: https://www.cityofcentralia.com/192/Emergency-Management
• Never drive through moving water – “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Even shallow, fast-moving water can sweep vehicles off the road.
• Check on neighbors, friends, and family members who may need extra help during wet weather, such as seniors or those with limited mobility.
•  Should the need arise for sandbags, the City has relocated its primary self-serve sandbag station to Center St. at Tower Ave. Entrance to the sandbag station will be from Tower Ave. The station should be open and available by 2PM on Monday, 12/08/25.

The City of Centralia and its partner agencies are in close coordination with each other and will provide updates only if conditions change significantly.

We appreciate our community’s continued preparedness and look forward to a safe rainy season together.

For more information, please contact: Centralia Emergency Management (360) 330-7648 emergencymanagement@cityofcentralia.com