The Klamath River is expected to reach its flood stage of 38 feet at 2 p.m. The river is likely to peak at 43.3 feet at 10 p.m. tomorrow. As of 1:30 p.m. today, the river was at a level of 19.3 feet. Moderate flooding is forecast.
Margaret Keating Elementary School in Klamath has canceled school tomorrow in anticipation of the flooding. As of 5 p.m. today, Del Norte County School District officials said no other schools have canceled classes.
At 42 feet, the Klamath River floods U.S. Highway 101 near Requa Road. The NWS said the road to Klamath Glen and other adjacent low-lying secondary roads near the delta is likely. Flooding will be amplified if strong onshore winds are present.
During the next 24 hours, an additional three to four inches of rain is expected for the Klamath Basin and five to seven inches is expected for the Smith River Basin. The NWS said this particular anticipated crest of the Klamath compares to a previous crest of 43.8 feet on Jan. 1, 1997.
Motorists are reminded not to drive their vehicles across flooded roadways, as it only takes about two feet of water to float most cars. Road conditions can be checked by calling Caltrans at 1-800-427-7623 or going online to www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi.