Tacoma Mama

Stay dry out there! By now, if you live in Fife or Orting you probably already know about the evacuation orders that have gone out. But for those who need help or want to help, the News Tribune has a list of shelters and resources. (Including animal shelters.)

On the radio: KOMO 1000 is always reliable and current.

On Twitter: search for the tag #waflood

Road Closures: Washington State DOT

To donate to flood relief efforts, visit Rainier-redcross.org

When will all this be over? Cliff Mass might tell us.

This just in: City of Tacoma declares state of civil emergency and is opening its Emergency Operations Center for potential flooding of Puyallup River

The City’s press release:

City declares civil emergency due to potential flooding of Puyallup River
The U.S Army Corps of Engineers has predicted the Puyallup River may overflow its banks early Thursday morning. As a result of this prediction, Tacoma’s Mayor Bill Baarsma and City Manager Eric Anderson issued a proclamation that the City of Tacoma is in a state of civil emergency.

The declaration was made based on flooding risks to the City’s Central Wastewater Treatment Plant, which could pose a risk to public health.

The City’s Emergency Operations Center will open at 6 p.m. tonight and will remain open for the duration of the emergency.

The City’s surface water crews have switched to a 24-hour work schedule to attempt to keep the more than 22,000 public storm drains clean in Tacoma. Drains near street corners and in low areas of streets and parking lots are the main concern. Drivers navigating Tacoma’s rain-logged streets or in areas that are prone to slides, such as Schuster Parkway and Marine View Drive, are encouraged to drive with caution. Remember that it is not safe to walk or drive through flooded areas.

For the latest news about potential flooding and street closure information, visit www.cityoftacoma.org or the City’s Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/cityoftacoma. To report stormwater flooding or sewage backups, call (253) 591-5585. To report blockages in the road from flooding, landslides or other debris, call (253) 591- 5495.