BENTON COUNTY, Wash. – Flooding has caused significant disruptions throughout Benton County, particularly affecting Benton City and West Richland.
The Buckskin Golf Club fairway is now completely submerged. This flooding occurred overnight, highlighting the ongoing impact of this week’s severe weather.
Earlier Saturday morning, the Port of Benton announced additional road closures due to rising floodwaters. The Van Giesen Bridge was shut down Friday night around 10:00 p.m. as water rose over the road, flooding the asphalt.
Benson Krull, a West Richland resident and regular at Buckskin Golf Club, expressed his astonishment at the rapid changes.
“This is where I golf every morning. I just heard the road was closed. I was gonna come down and I can’t even believe it. It is unreal,” Krull said.
Krull noted the dramatic transformation in just 24 hours.
“Yesterday [Friday] there was no water at all. It was just normal. The Van Gleason Bridge, which is down here, was still crossing, which they’ve closed today. This is a complete surprise,” he said.
In Benton City, workers at the Beach RV Park have been busy removing trailer homes. William Lakey, a volunteer, shared an update on the situation as to what areas have been towed away.
“The lower part of the river side, they’re all gone. There is two, by the veterinary clinic. And I guess what I’ve heard is two up by the, between the First Baptist Church and the football stadium,” Lakey said.
Lakey mentioned that water levels peaked earlier in the day, while Krull expressed concern about the future of Buckskin Golf Club.
“It’ll be very surprising to see how the golf course survives this. It’ll be very interesting to see if it’s ruined it or if it’s, just whether it recovers, I guess,” Krull said.
Lakey anticipates that water levels will decrease throughout the day and into tomorrow, though rain is expected in the region through next week.
