Storm causes flooding in Grays Harbor County

GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY, Wash. — Ocean swells topped 30 feet off the Washington Coast Thursday and a high tide contributed to flooding along Grays Harbor and the rain-swollen Chehalis River.

At midday, youth offenders at Grays Harbor County's juvenile detention center along the river outside Aberdeen were evacuated to the county jail when rising water flooded the parking lot.

"It's the first time we've seen water onto the road here," said Marvin Prince, who works across the road.

In other places in Aberdeen, water pooled on roadways, slowing traffic.

Grays Harbor PUD reported scattered power outages around the county, including 1,500 customers without electricity in Moclips, Pacific Beach and Tahloah.

KIRO