Caution Urged As Puyallup River Rises

PUYALLUP, WA — The City of Puyallup is taking some precautions as it prepares for potential flooding along the Puyallup River.

As of midday Friday, almost all of Western Washington is under a flood watch. The watch, initiated by the National Weather Service Thursday, warns that heavy rains may cause urban flooding, and may cause some rivers to overflow their bounds.

One of the rivers of particular concern is the Puyallup River— and the city is taking a few precautions to make sure everyone is safe. First, they've closed off all access to the Riverwalk Trail.

Second, officers with the Puyallup Police Department are currently contacting residents who live near the water and may be impacted by potential flooding.

Finally, even for residents who don't live or work along the river, the city and police alike are urging caution: the potential for street flooding remains high, and drivers are asked to take it slow whenever possible.

According to the latest hydrograph from NOAA, the Puyallup River is expected to hit its peak around 10 p.m. Friday. However, the river will remain elevated for some time afterwards, and the flood watch will remain in effect through Tuesday afternoon.