Heavy rain has caused widespread damage throughout Yakima County and across the state.

On Wednesday, the Nile Fire Department evacuated 30 homes in the Nile area and floodwaters washed out the Nile bridge over the Rattlesnake River. The American Red Cross opened a shelter Wednesday night at the Presbyterian Church in Naches.

Steve Avila, who lives along the Naches River, says he hasn't seen flood levels like this in a long time.

"It's not a good thing. I've never seen it like this. It's not a good thing," he said.

For others who remember flooding in years past, though, it's not as surprising to see the water crashing into bridges and rising quickly. Scooter Smith says the floods of 1996 wiped out his home, and he's cautioning people to be careful.
The Washington State Patrol reports troopers were all along Highway 12, patrolling the river and several private bridges to homes and campgrounds, making sure water levels didn't rise to evacuation status.

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