Warnings of flooding across the region, other cities dealing with rising waters

With rain and the melting snowpack, southeastern Washington is experiencing flooding and warnings of possible rising river water.

The Yakima River is expected to rise just below flood levels by Friday. Deanna Davis with the Benton County Emergency Management says the water is expected to hit about 12.27 feet and the flood gauge in Benton City is at 13 feet. As of Tuesday, the Yakima river sat at 8.40 feet.

"What that means for people who live along the Yakima is they are likely going to see the rise in the water, they may see some standing water in low lying areas but we are not expecting widespread flooding at this time," says Davis.

Davis says they also do not expect flooding at the Benton City Beach RV park which has been impacted by rising water in the past.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Umatilla River near Gibbon until Thursday with the river expected to reach 7.1 feet which is just above flood stage.

In preparation for flooding, Kittitas County has issued a Level One EOC Activation. Essentially it helps ensure the county is prepared if it does experience flooding. Officials say Reecer Creek, Park Creek and West end of Thrall Road could all see water over the roadways. If water is over the septic system of your home, you are asked to call the Sheriff's office. The county has sand and bags available at the Upper County Shop and the Fairgrounds in Ellensburg.

Yakima has been experiencing flooding over the past few days. Several roads in Yakima are closed Wednesday due to flooding including 72nd Avenue between Zier Road and Nob Hill Boulevard and Washington Avenue is closed between 48th Avenue and 16th Avenue. Officers do have detours in place.