The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the Puyallup River near Orting. The river flow was expected to crest Wednesday morning and fall below flood stage this afternoon.

Tacoma Power is gradually increasing the outflow from the LaGrande Dam into the Nisqually River, and any effects will be monitored downstream by Pierce County Emergency Management and the Pierce County Sheriff’s department. While flooding is not anticipated, the release of water at the dam may cause problems downstream, specifically at a retirement home next to the highway bridge in McKenna. As a precautionary measure, Pierce County Emergency Management arranged to open a shelter if needed at a church on the Thurston County side of the river.

Crews were working Wednesday morning to clear mudslides at several Pierce County locations, including Interstate 5 just north of the Nisqually River bridge, the West Valley Highway north of Sumner, Patterson Road about a half mile south of State Route 162 near Orting and Orville Road East near Kapowsin.

Pierce County is advising residents living or traveling in flood-prone areas to continue monitoring weather conditions and to watch for road closures or standing water on roadways. “Driving through standing water or around barricades is extremely dangerous,” said Emergency Management Director Steve Bailey.