Hundreds Remain Evacuated From Thurston County Floods

LACEY, WA -- Hundreds of Thurston County residents had to flee their homes Thursday after heavy rains prompted Tacoma Power to increase water flow at the LaGrande Dam. Officials said it was unlikely they will be able to return before Sunday.

Evacuation notices went out to residents living along the Nisqually Delta Thursday, and a shelter was established in nearby Lacey.

Between 700 and 1,000 people live in the region most affected by the flood, according to the Thurston County Commissioner's Office. First responders knocked on at least 400 doors Thursday and remained in the area Friday assisting those who had not left yet.

The Thurston County Sheriff's Office shared several photos on social media showing properties completely overtaken by water. Rescue crews used armored vehicles and boats to reach those in homes completely cut off by floodwaters Friday morning.

The sheriff's marine unit and dive rescue team worked in conjunction with Lacey Fire District 3 to evacuate people and animals stranded in the flood zone.

Evacuations were initially expected to lift Saturday, but high water levels and some additional rain have extended them until at least Sunday morning. Meghan Porter, a public information officer for the commissioner's office, said the sheriff's office would be in the area through the weekend to assist anyone in need until the high waters recede.

Porter said Tacoma Power had decreased water flow from 15,000 cubic feet per second down to 11,000, but the river was still well above flood stage Friday.

Several roads in the area remain closed, including a section of Old Pacific Highway.