KAMIAH, Idaho – Heavy rains are inundating the Clearwater country in Idaho Tuesday afternoon, with highway closures, sandbagging and evacuations.
The Idaho Department of Transportation reports that U.S. Route 12 remains closed Tuesday afternoon between Kamiah and Orofino because of a large mudslide that’s blocked traffic in both directions. Heavy rain has been pounding the mountains since yesterday, and that’s caused additional slides on several of the local roads.
The Idaho Free Press reports emergency crews have been out in several communities sandbagging since earlier Tuesday morning.
Flooding is especially widespread around Stites, which is south of Kooskia, and the Idaho Emergency Operations Center has activated to a “Level 3” response because of the rising waters. And the Nez Perce Tribe has declared a state of emergency, warning people to be prepared for evacuations.
