Yakima River expected to rise with series of storms

A series of weather systems moving across the Pacific Northwest are expected to increase the water level of the Yakima River near the Tri-Cities to near the level where residents are advised to be careful.

The gauge at Kiona, the closest one to the Tri-Cities, measured the river at 8 feet Friday morning.

By Tuesday morning the level is expected to be within 3 inches of 11 feet — the “action” stage. People are advised to use caution near the river and look out for the welfare of animals in low-lying pastures when the water reaches 11 feet.

The river could drop slightly Wednesday but then rise to close to the action level again Friday, according to early predictions of the National Weather Service.

The chance of rain Saturday in the Tri-Cities is 50 percent. A slight chance of rain is expected Sunday and an increased chance of rain Sunday.

This story was originally published March 4, 2016 at 7:13 PM with the headline "Yakima River expected to rise with series of storms."