Yakima River to crest near flood stage

The Yakima River is expected to crest just below flood stage Thursday near the Tri-Cities, according to revised predictions of the National Weather Service.

The water in the river at the Kiona gauge, the one closest to the Tri-Cities, was at 7.5 feet deep midday Monday, up from 6 feet deep Friday.

Tuesday evening the river is expected to hit 11 feet, which is designated the “action” level. Residents are advised to use caution, including moving livestock out of low-lying pastures.

On Thursday the river is expected to crest within about eight inches of 13 feet deep, which is considered flood stage. Flooding at that level should be minor.

Heavy rain, warm temperatures and snow melt in the Cascade Mountains Sunday and Monday are responsible for the rising river level. On Monday morning, water was reported over roadways in Kittitas and northern Yakima counties.

This story was originally published February 15, 2016 at 12:07 PM with the headline "Yakima River to crest near flood stage."