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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we continue to deal with an atmospheric river system causing flooding across our region, I want to encourage you to take as many precautions as necessary to stay safe. This is our most severe flooding event since at least 2019. Below are several updates from across the County.
An Update from the King County Flood Control District
All of the rivers with flood gauges are in a flood phase and are expected to continue to rise throughout the day.
- Phase 4: Snoqualmie and Cedar Rivers (severe flooding)
- Phase 3: South Fork Skykomish, Tolt, Green, and White Rivers (moderate flooding)
- Phase 1 and rising: Issaquah Creek (staff prepared to respond)
The Flood Warning Center remains open and flood patrols are continuing to check on flood facilities throughout the county. 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.
Please remember to follow the instructions of emergency management officials and roads/public works staff – if there is a road closed sign, please turn around.
Even in urban areas, standing water and water over the roadways is particularly hazardous. Please do not drive on closed roads and do not drive through standing water – we do not know how deep the water. A few facts from our website to keep in mind:
- 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can sweep a person off their feet;
- 12 inches of water can move most cars off the roadways; and
- 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
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/.
State and County Declarations of Emergency
I want to thank Governor Bob Ferguson for responding to the concerns of our community and declaring a statewide emergency today following major flooding across Washington. That declaration is available here.
The state emergency declaration allows the state to seek federal funds for recovery. An expedited emergency declaration from the federal government will allow access to life, safety and emergency protective measures and additional federal resources. Governor Ferguson has also activated the National Guard.
Additionally, I want to thank Executive Zahilay for working with me and issuing an Emergency Proclamation related to this flooding event on Monday evening.
An Update from King County Roads
Due to the storm, roads across the Snoqualmie Valley, Skykomish and southeast King County areas are closed due to water over the roadway, debris on the road, or slides. If you live or normally travel through these areas, we ask you avoid or limit driving during the storm, which is expected to last through Thursday. Conditions are changing quickly, and more closures may occur with little notice.
If you have to drive, we remind you to be alert and plan accordingly for traveling in the storm.
- Visit MyCommute for the latest updates and a full list of unincorporated King County Road Services closures and restrictions.
- Check WSDOT travel maps for state route impacts.
- Look at your city or local jurisdiction's transportation pages for city updates.
- Sign up for Metro Transit alerts to stay informed about delays, reroutes or closures.
- For state roads and highways, go to
If you can, avoid driving today. Water levels can rise quickly, visibility is low, and even familiar routes may become unsafe in minutes. Stay home if you’re able.
Safety reminders:
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Turn Around, Don’t Drown: Never drive through flooded roads.
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Don’t drive into standing water: You never know how deep the water is or if the road has been washed away or compromised beneath the water.
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Respect road closure signs: Don’t drive through barricades, they are in place to keep you safe.
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Slow down and increase following distance: Heavy rain reduces visibility and stopping time.
Remember, for additional updates, you can always visit .
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 continue stay safe and look out for your neighbors!
 Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
District 9
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