2022-01-06 Emergency meetingEmergency meeting
January 6, 2022
3:03 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Grose, County Manager Erik
Martin, Erika Katt, JP Anderson, Becky Butler, Andrew Logerwell, Josh Metcalf, Chris Panush, Lara
McRea, Steve Wohld, J. Vander Stoep, Aimee Albright, various members of county staff
Guests: Various members of the public, press
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Commissioner Pollock said the emergency meeting is being called as per RCW 42.30.080(4) to address
emergency situations across the county related to recent weather events.
Erika Katt provided the following updates:
• Newaukum River will reach historic levels later in the day and won’t begin falling until late in the
day Jan. 7.
• Skookumchuck will crest at record levels Jan. 7.
• China Creek is flooding in Centralia.
Josh Metcalf said the county is assessing risks to area bridges. He said the county has roughly 40 roads
currently restricted or closed due to water over roadways.
Josh said staff will continue monitoring the situation and updating online data.
Ross McDowell said WSDOT has closed roads in the Pe Ell area. He discussed blockages that
EOC is at Phase II and is taking place virtually.
Ross and JP Anderson said the Centralia High School will be available for use as an emergency shelter for
evacuees.
Erik Martin said the Chehalis River is expected to crest at major flood levels at Grand Mound.
Trooper Will Finn alerted the public about issues on SR 508 and Interstate 5 at exit 72.
Commissioner Grose made a motion to pass Resolution 22-005. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion
passed 3-0.
Commissioner Grose, who was attending virtually, directed Rieva Lester to sign the resolution on his
behalf.
Steve Wohld provided updates on county response to the emergency.
Josh Metcalf cautioned the public to avoid responding to falling trees, noting that the ground is
supersaturated.
JP Anderson said work is being done to help with animal evacuations.
The group discussed non-emergency numbers the public can use in an effort to prevent clogging up 911:
• Trees down / road issues: 360-740-1123.
• Non-life-threatening evacuations: 360-740-1105.
Commissioner Grose said he’d like to cancel the following day’s Mayors’ Meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m.