This week’s heavy rainstorms are not expected to result in flooding along the White River in Pacific, Mayor Richard Hildreth said.

“Over this next two days, the city of Pacific is expected to get close to 2 inches of rain along with 20-40 mph winds,” Hildreth said. “Although this storm should result in some localized flooding and stormwater backups, we are not anticipating any river flooding from the White River.

“We do not expect any river flooding as a result of this storm, however, localized urban flooding is possible,” Hildreth added. “To reduce this threat, please keep storm drains clear from debris. Do not wash leaves and other debris into storm drains as this often gets carried downstream and creates blockages.”

As long as the Puyallup River is running at or above flood stage, Hildreth said, the Army Corps of Engineers will withhold as much water as it can safely contain in the Mud Mountain Dam Reservoir. As the Puyallup recedes, the Corps will increase flows in the White River, typically two to three days following heavy rains.

“So long as there is not another storm on the horizon, the Corp will keep river flows below 4,000-5,000 (cubic feet per second),” Hildreth said. “It is at these rates where we start seeing water flowing ‘out of bank’ in Pacific.”