Flood Warning In Effect for Kenai River

     Heavy rain all over the Kenai Peninsula this week has put residents on alert for possible flooding. 

 

     The National Weather Service issued a flood warning Thursday for the Kenai River, from Kenai Lake to the river's mouth. The weather service said in a statement that heavy rain over the last three days has caused Kenai Lake to rise two feet, and the lake is expected to rise another two feet over the next two days and possibly reach flood stage near Cooper Landing by Friday afternoon. Minor flooding around Kenai Lake and low-lying areas of the Kenai River is possible.

 

     The weather service also put out a flood advisory for rivers and streams in the southern Kenai Peninsula Wednesday, including the Anchor River, Stariski Creek, Deep Creek and the Ninilchik River. Rapid increases in water levels were expected on all southern peninsula rivers and streams.

 

     In Seward, widespread flooding prompted city officials to declare a state of emergency Wednesday. City Clerk Johanna Kinney says flooding in town prompted the declaration Wednesday from City Manager James Hunt. Flooding has been reported in areas all over town and one road has been closed because of a landslide. The National Park Service also has closed Exit Mile Glacier Road at Mile 7. Officials are encouraging Seward residents to limit their travel. The governor's office ordered state offices in Seward to close early on Wednesday and one of the Seward airport's two runways has been closed because of the flooding.

 

     During a flood warning, the National Weather Service advises residents in low-lying areas to use caution and to report ant flooding to your local law enforcement agency.