Flooding In Yakima Expected To Ease Tuesday

A flood warning remains in effect today for the Yakima River near Parker after water flooded homes and businesses in Yakima on Monday -- a result of melting mountain snow and rain.

Cowiche Creek overflowed Monday afternoon and forced residents of Riverview Manor near Fred Meyer to evacuate. Monday night, Washington State Patrol troopers and Yakima Police closed the off ramps of Highway 12 at 40th Avenue, and the intersection of 40th and Powerhouse was closed because of flooding. The American Red Cross opened a shelter at the Church of Christ at North 72nd Avenue.

Flood warnings were still in effect for the Yakima River at Parker and Umtanum.

The Yakima River is currently at 10.6 feet at Parker; flood stage is 10 feet. Forecasters predicted minor flooding and expected the river would crest Tuesday morning.