Yakima River Expected To Hit Flood Stage Friday in Benton City

It's not nearly as bad as recent previous floods, but the Yakima River is expected to slightly nip over flood stage.

Due to excessive warm weather in the mountains, another rush of runoff has pushed the river to nearly active stage, or 11 feet. It's expected to hit 13.12 feet above normal sometime Friday afternoon and 13 feet is considered flood stage, according to Benton County Emergency Services. Area residents, especially in flood plains, are advised to secure items or move them to higher ground.  The river is expected to steadily drop once it hits flood stage.

The  National Weather Service has been closely watching the river and conditions in the area.