Cities keep an eye on weather, wary of flooding

MOSES LAKE — With all of the ice that has coated Grant County in the last two days, city and county officials are focusing on what happens when it gets warm enough for the ice to start melting.

“There’s not a lot you can do about widespread icing,” said Ephrata City Administrator Wes Cargo. “We are preparing for runoff, but widespread ice, not much can be done.”

Ephrata was one of several towns around Grant and Adams counties that were coated in ice and were responding with salt and sand at intersections and on hills, and generally advising residents to be careful if they have to go out but stay at home if they can.

“We have our guys out plowing and salting,” said Tammie Howes, a record clerk for the Othello Public Works Department. “Most people are being pretty cautious and staying at home.”

Most communities reported about a quarter-inch of ice this morning. However, Ritzville Mayor Gary Cook said he woke up to a half to three-quarters of an inch of ice.

“We didn’t have crews go out until early this morning, and we just ordered some extra sand,” Cook said. “It’s actually warm enough [in the middle of Wednesday morning] that the snow and ice is beginning to break up.”

Across the region, officials were making sure to let city workers and residents know that storm drains need to be kept clear and unclogged. The combination of ample snow on the ground, warming temperatures and the possibility of rain means towns and cities could face flooding if its gets too warm too fast.

“Our biggest challenge will be keeping the storm drains open and clear,” said Quincy City Administrator Tim Snead.

“We’re really concerned with flooding for sure,” Othello’s Howes said. “We’re getting the storm drains cleaned. It’s going to be a mess if it’s like they’re predicting.”

The National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures to reach highs in the mid 30s for the next week, with a chance of rain and/or snow this weekend, minimizing the risk of flooding.

“The forecast is barely above freezing, and the rain will hold off, which is good news,” Ephrata’s Crago said.