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Skagit River expected to flood low areas near Concrete
Remember to drive slow and increase your distance between other cars. If roads are flooded, turn around
SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. - The Skagit River was under a flood warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS).
The NWS predicted a moderate flood stage in low areas and sections of roads along the river from Rockport downstream to Sedro-Woolley.
"31 feet for us is moderate flood stage, so that is enough to warrant concern but we’re not expecting it to be a historic level," said Laura Han of Skagit County. "More than that could happen, less than that can happen and our natural resources team and our flood response team are keeping close contact with the National Weather Service, with the Army Corps of Engineers and the dam operators to make sure we have a good idea of what’s coming."
Han said the county’s emergency response team was ready to activate if necessary. Flood impacts could last into the weekend.
Meanwhile, on the roads, it was a messy drive in wet conditions. Washington State Patrol said it was responding to an increase in collisions on Thursday, including one on the Stillaguamish Bridge on I-5 in Arlington.
"He was just going too fast, hit a pocket of water, lost control, hit the side of the bridge and according to witness almost went over the rail of the bridge into the river and that would’ve been about a 30 to a 40 foot fall into some pretty strong currents," said Trooper Rocky Oliphant.
Trooper Oliphant said in these downpour conditions drivers should slow down, increase following distance and turn around if roads are flooded out.
Stay connected with emergency information on flooding in Skagit County by visiting SkagitCounty.net/flood. You can also call the current river level hotline at 360-416-1404.
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