City Signs Declaration Of Emergency Because of Floods

As Yakima city and county crews work to contain flood waters throughout the area Yakima Mayor Kathy Coffey says she's signed a declaration of emergency because of the flooding that's damaged homes and properties.

During a Wednesday afternoon press conference at Chesterly Park on South 40th Avenue, Yakima City Manager Cliff Moore told reporters "the cause of this flood really has been this massive snowfall and then the rapid warmup. We've had city crews out 24/7 for the past five to six days."

And he says they'll continue to help residents recover. Now that city officials have signed a declaration of emergency If the city reaches a property damage total of more than $800,000 it could qualify for state or federal help to give local residents some relief.
During the press conference Wednesday afternoon the Yakima Fire Department announced it has opened an emergency operations center and if people have questions or concerns or need help the number is 575-6165.
City crews continue to work to clear streets and open roadways. Here's the latest list.

• Fruitvale Boulevard remains closed from 34^th Avenue to 40^th Avenue and will remain closed overnight
• The Highway 12 ramps at 40^th Avenue remain closed and will remain closed overnight – Drivers trying to access Highway 12 are encouraged to use the 16^th Avenue on-ramp to do so
• The outside, southbound lane of 40^th Avenue between Wide Hollow Creek and Washington Avenue remains closed