Thunderstorms, rain pound parts of County

Mudslides damage Knodel Farms, close 1.29 miles of Thiel Road

A severe thunderstorm early Monday morning brought record rainfall and a mudslide through the property of Jerry and Debbie Knodel, but it delivered more than destruction: it also brought a tremendous outpouring of support.

The storm woke the Knodel family and many other Adams County residents around 3 a.m. on July 16, and left a path of destruction behind it as property and roadway damage was reported throughout the area.

Thunderstorms have been sweeping through eastern Washington for over a week, bringing with them heavy rainfall and strong winds.

“We had a wall of water and mud just come right through our farm,” said Debbie. “It deposited a foot or two of mud and silt throughout the farm and into Jerry’s shop.”

The mudslide occurred when the believed epicenter of the storm crossed the Knodel farm, bringing with it an estimated three or four inches of rain. The drastic amount of rain caused a neighboring summer fallow wheat field to give way and slide through the Knodel property.

Debbie says the family did not get much rest during the storm but could not tell the extent of the damage until first light. As the sun rose, Debbie realized her yard had disappeared under a sheet of mud.

But alongside the devastation and immediate shock were people that began offering a helping hand once they had heard of the catastrophe.

“When you have a huge disaster like this, people just start showing up. We’ve had crews from 30 to 70 people,” Debbie explained. “Everybody has been working so hard and staying safe, that is the blessing out of it. From friends, and even people that don’t know us, they have come out and offered to do what they can to help. It’s very gratifying.”

Adams County Public Works received reports of roadway damage after Monday’s early morning storm at Danekas Road, Providence Road, Thiel Road and Lind-Ralston Road. There were also reports of blockage on the roads in the Carico Hills area.

The majority of issues have been the sudden rainfall causing dirt to give way and cause mudslides or flashfloods.

“When the rain comes that fast, it makes large crevices and ditches,” Debbie said in witness to the extreme rainfall.

Weather reports indicate that there is a chance of thunderstorms until Friday, July 20 and leaves residents nervous about the damage that may be left behind. Debbie also discussed their concern about the summer fallow fields in the area and that another big storm could be devastating.

Lightning-caused fires have also been reported, the major one being in the Benge area early in the morning on Friday, July 13. Benge, LaCrosse, Ritzville and Washtucna fire departments all responded to the call.

Residents should use caution during any severe thunderstorm and report any significant damage to the appropriate departments. As of Tuesday evening, Adams County is not expected to be under flash flood watch or be at risk for another severe thunderstorm, in comparison to Monday’s storm.