December 29, 1998

For current flooding information, please see King County Flooding Topics.

Flood Update - 3:00 PM

The King County Flood Warning Center has issued a Phase Three flood alert this afternoon for the Green River in south King County. A Phase Three designation means lowland areas below Howard Hanson Dam may experience moderate flooding. The areas most prone to flooding include the Green River valley above Auburn and the lower Mill Creek Basin. Roads in those lowland areas may also need to be closed due to high water.

Currently, only one county maintained road along the Green River has been closed – Southeast Green Valley Road from 218^th Avenue Southeast to Southeast Auburn-Black Diamond Road. Despite the moderate flooding, impacts along the Green River will be mostly confined to farmland in low-lying areas.

Meanwhile, a Phase Three alert for moderate flooding on the Snoqualmie River has also just been posted. The river has been rising slowly throughout the day and may cause additional lowland areas to flood and roads to close before it crests and flows recede. A Phase Two alert remains on the Tolt River near Carnation. While the White River remains at a Phase Three alert, flows have been steadily falling today, easing the threat of flooding along that river.

King County is advising residents living or traveling in flood prone areas to continue to monitor weather conditions for the next few days. While major flooding is not expected, rain combined with warm temperatures will continue to cause flood problems tonight and tomorrow. Once again, motorists are advised never to drive though standing water or around barricades - this is how most lives are lost during flooding.

The Flood Warning Center will remain activated and will continue to monitor the river flooding until conditions improve. Residents can access recorded flood information for King County rivers by calling (206) 296-8200 or 1-800 945-9263. Residents who need help interpreting flood information can contact the Flood Warning Center at (206) 296-4535. Motorists encountering water over roads maintained by King County can report them by calling (206) 296-8100 or 1-800-KC ROADS.

Updated: December 29, 1998