King County staff is carefully watching river gauges as heavy rains are predicted through the weekend, and the weather service has issued Flood Watch for east King County rivers.

The Snoqualmie River rose sharply on Thursday but then crested below levels that would trigger a flood warning from King County. The upper three forks of the Snoqualmie rose to a combined flow of 10,360 cubic feet per second (cfs) this afternoon. King County issues public flood warnings when the same combined flow rises through 12,000 cfs.

King County roads staff is already on alert for fallen trees and tree limbs, water over the roadway, and other hazardous conditions. Flooding in rural King County often closes roads in low-lying areas. Motorists should never drive around road closure signs or through standing water. The No. 1 cause of death during floods is attributed to people who attempt to drive through standing water.

Floods in King County usually occur between November and February during heavy rain and rapid snowmelt. The Snoqualmie, South Fork Skykomish, Tolt, Raging, Cedar, Green and White rivers all have a history of flooding during winter months, as do many of local urban streams such as Issaquah Creek.

During Phase One flooding, water typically covers pastures and other low-lying areas. In a Phase Two, it is necessary to close some roads and the alert the public to rising floodwaters.

If local rivers rise to Phase Two flood stage, King County will activate the Flood Warning Center. The center will be staffed around-the-clock to monitor river gauges, weather data, dam operations and road closures. King County staff mobilize and begin to gather, analyze and distribute flood warning information so that residents, businesses, property owners and emergency response officials can make important health and safety decisions. In most locations, the flood warning system provides at least two hours warning before floodwaters reach damaging levels.

King County residents can do several things to prepare before floodwaters begin to rise:

• All residents are encouraged to clear leaves and debris away from storm drains near their homes and businesses;
• People in flood-prone areas should prepare their families – make sure they know emergency phone numbers, identify the safest evacuation routes, and establish a meeting place in case family members are separated by rising water;
• Have emergency supplies on hand including: a portable radio, flashlight, fresh batteries, emergency cooking equipment, non-perishable food, drinking water, essential medications and a first aid kit;
• In some cases, purchasing sand and sandbags can help to protect property.

Floods in King County usually occur between November and February during heavy rain and rapid snowmelt. The Snoqualmie, South Fork Skykomish, Tolt, Raging, Cedar, Green and White rivers all have a history of flooding during winter months, as do many of local urban streams.

During flood events, the Regional Public Information Network (RPIN) Website covers King, Pierce and Snohomish counties and provides information and links to other agencies involved as well.

Comprehensive flood information is also available online through the King County Department of Natural Resources.

Residents can monitor roadway conditions during floods and storms at the King County Road Alert Road Closures Web page. You can also subscribe to King County Alert and be notified by email or page about the latest road closures and travel conditions.

During river flooding events, King County operates a recorded message center with hourly updates of river gauge readings, predicted flood crests, dam operations and other related information. The recorded message number is 206-296-8200 or 1-800-945-9263.