October 9, 1998

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

Prepare for the flood season

With the start of the annual rainy season about a month away King County Executive Ron Sims has proclaimed October Flood Awareness Month. The Executive urges people who live in flood-prone areas to make personal plans in the event of high water in local rivers and streams.

King County has experienced 14 flood-related disasters in the last 40 years, the most recent in late 1995 and early 1996. National weather forecasters say a La Nina weather pattern could influence Northwest weather this winter, which could cause heavier than usual rain and snow and increase the potential for flooding.

River managers in King County’s Department of Natural Resources Water and Land Resources Division are preparing for the flood season by reviewing flood warning procedures and response plans with city, fire, police and road employees in the Cedar, Snoqualmie, Green and White river basins. Floods most commonly occur between November and February during heavy rain and rapid snowmelt. The Snoqualmie, Tolt, Raging, Cedar, Green and White Rivers all have a history of flooding during winter months.

People in flood prone areas are urged to prepare their families now by making sure they know emergency phone numbers and the safest evacuation route. It is also wise to buy such things as sand and sandbags to protect property and to have a flashlight, batteries and a first aid kit on hand.

King County improved its ability to respond to floods by relocating its Flood Warning Center last year to the Emergency Operations Center at Boeing Field. When river waters reach a certain level, the center is opened and staffed around-the-clock to monitor river gauges and weather service satellite information. It also collects information from members of flood patrols who check retention ponds, levees and dikes for damage or indications of weakness. The flood patrol also responds to concerns and emergencies phoned in by property owners. Flood Center employees work closely with County Roads Division and a variety of agencies to obtain up-to-date information on road closures, dam evacuations and other emergency services. In most locations the flood warning system provides at least two hours warning before floodwaters reach damaging levels.

During flooding, the Department of Natural Resources’ Flood Hotline and Web site are updated hourly with river gauge readings. The Flood Hotline number is 206-296-8200 or 800-945-9263. The Web site address is: http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/flood/flood.htm.

King County’s flood plain management program and flood warning services are nationally recognized for excellence, which has resulted in a 20 percent discount in flood insurance rates for area residents.

For a brochure about King County flood warning services, a map and tips on what to do before, during and after a flood, call 296-8001.

Updated: October 14, 1998