Heavy rain caused flooding in parts of Vancouver and Battle Ground Wednesday evening, as standing water flowed over roadways and into some buildings.
At about 7:45 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for small streams and urban areas in southwest Clark County.
“(The) main concern is for locations along Burnt Bridge Creek downstream toward the Columbia River,” according to the advisory. “Low lying spots of south Vancouver may also be at risk for minor flooding.”
The weather service warned of standing water in the Vancouver area on Interstate 5, Interstate 205, state Highway 14 and state Highway 503.
Shortly after the advisory was issued, several reports came in of minor flooding. The rain reportedly flooded parts of a parking garage at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, 400 N.E. Mother Joseph Place, with the waterline rising up past the tires of some vehicles parked there. Water also reportedly poured into Columbia Presbyterian Church’s basement, which includes classrooms and a gymnasium at 805 Columbia Ridge Drive.
On Wednesday, about 1/3 of an inch of rain fell in parts of Vancouver and nearly 1 1/2 inches of rain hit parts of Battle Ground, with most of that rainfall occurring between 5 and 8 p.m., National Weather Service Meteorologist Miles Higa said.
Traffic hazards were reported at multiple locations, including the Vancouver intersections of Northeast Burton Road and Bridge Creek Avenue; 95th Avenue and 14th Street; and Delaware Lane and North Morrison Road.
“Do not attempt to travel across flooded roads,” the advisory warned. “It takes only a few inches of swiftly flowing water to carry vehicles away.”
The flood advisory was in effect until about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday.
