Pierce County opened its Emergency Operations Center this morning in preparation for predicted flooding on three local rivers.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the rivers in Western Washington, including the Puyallup, Carbon and Nisqually rivers in Pierce County.

A weather system has brought heavy winds and rain to the area. The nasty weather is not expected to let up until Thursday evening. The flood warning is in effect until 10:45 a.m. Thursday.

At 2 a.m. today, the Nisqually River near National was at 7.9 feet. The flood stage is 10 feet. Forecasters are predicting major flooding, with the river rising above flood stage about 11 a.m. today and crest near 12.3 feet about 4 a.m. Thursday.

The Carbon River at Fairfax was at 12.5 feet early today. Flood stage for the river is 13.5 feet. Forecasters predict moderate flooding. The river will rise above flood stage this morning and crest near 14.7 feet about 10 tonight.

Forecasters are predicting record flooding along the Puyallup River near Orting. The flow was 4,078 cubic feet per second at 11 p.m. Tuesday. The flood flow is 4,500 CFS. The rise was expected to rise to flood stage at 1 a.m. today and crest near 15,960 CFS around 10 p.m. tonight.

The county’s emergency management officials advise residents in flood-prone areas to call their local fire stations if they need sandbags.

Residents should respect road closures, be aware of potential landslides, stay away from moving water and don’t walk or drive through flooded areas, the county reported.

Residents also are asked not to call 911 to report flooding.