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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Our region is continuing to contend with an atmospheric river system and a flood watch remains in effect for King County through December 12. This is our most severe flooding event since 2019. Last night was a busy night, and below is an update on the current conditions and resources available from the King County Flood Control District.
As of this morning,
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Snoqualmie River is in Phase 4, the highest of our flood phases, and is experiencing severe flooding. Eastbound I-90 outside of North Bend was closed for hours overnight as the result of a mudslide, but has reopened.
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White River just reached Phase 3, and high water levels are expected along the temporary flood protection barriers in both Pacific and Auburn. Overtopping flows may occur at Government Canal and Butte Ave, and flooding will occur in the Pacific City Park.
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Green River just reached Phase 3, and flooding is expected at varied points in the valley upstream of Auburn and the lower Mill Creek basin, and Southeast Green Valley Rd and West Valley Rd.
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Issaquah Creek reached Phase 2 around 4am this morning, frequent flooded areas can expect flooding. A few street closures may occur due to water on the road way.
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Cedar River is in Phase 2, we may see roads overtopping and closing including SE 184th St and Lower Dorre Don Way SE.
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South Fork Skykomish River is in Phase 2, we may see some river bank erosion and flood debris in the water.
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Tolt River is receding but is expected to peak at Phase 4 again late tonight or early tomorrow.
As a reminder, the King County Flood Control District defines flood phases 0-4 as:
- 0: No flooding expected.
- 1: King County staff are on alert and preparing for a possible flood event.
- 2: Minor flooding expected
- 3: Moderate flooding expected.
- 4: Severe flooding expected.
The Flood Warning Center remains open. The center serves as an information exchange and can answer questions, interpret river gage information, direct you to sandbag locations, and provide updated information about problem areas and evacuations. You can reach the Flood Warning Center at 206-296-8200 or 800-945-9263.
Visit the King County Flood Control District’s Resources page for preparedness tips and to sign up for free flood alerts: 👉 https://kingcountyfloodcontrol.org/flood-resources/.
You can also install the free Flood Warning App for real-time river conditions and alerts:📱 https://flood.kingcounty.gov/.
It is important to follow the advice of county and city staff and emergency responders. Here area a few facts from the Flood Control District's website to keep in mind:
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6 inches of fast-moving flood water can sweep a person off their feet;
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12 inches of water can move most cars off the roadways; and
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2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
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Multiple roads have closed due to water over the roadway. Please check MyCommute for any status changes, this will be the most up-to-date information on Road Services closures. To report any unincorporated King County road issues, please call our 24/7 Road Helpline at 206-477-8100. For non-urgent matters, email maint.roads@kingcounty.gov. You can also Check out WSDOT's Real-Time Travel Map for state route and highway updates. |
I want to thank Executive Zahilay for working with me and issuing an Emergency Proclamation related to this flooding event yesterday evening. And I especially want to thank all of our emergency responders and King County employees who have worked through the night keeping our community safe.
Do not hesitate to reach out to my office at Reagan.Dunn@kingcounty.gov if there is any way that my office can be of assistance to you. Please stay safe and look out for your neighbors!
 Reagan Dunn
Chair, King County Flood Control District
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