King County keeps close eye on river levels

Flood Warning Center reports receding waters on Snoqualmie, Tolt rivers

King County flood patrols and road crews will continue to monitor levees, roads and bridges this evening and King County will provide 24-hour staffing at the Regional Communication and Emergency Coordination Center in Renton.

While rain and wind have moderated, the Tolt and Snoqualmie rivers remain at flood levels and numerous roads are closed in the Snoqualmie Valley after more than 24 hours of heavy rain and melting snow saturated the region. More road closures are expected as flood waters move through the valley, and additional mudslides and downed trees are possible due to super saturated soils.

People are warned that the majority of deaths during floods are from people driving into standing water on roadways. Drivers should never go around a road block sign. Dangers include potential sinkholes or the roadway being undermined, possible swift current, the water being deeper than it looks or other hard to see hazards.

The King County Flood Warning Center, which opened earlier Monday to monitor flows, reports that the Snoqualmie and Tolt rivers, and Issaquah Creek, are receding but remain at flood levels.

Residents in affected areas can get updated information on flooding on the King County Web site at http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/waterandland/flooding.aspx, or via RPIN, the area's regional Web site at http://www.rpin.org. A recorded flood-information hotline is also updated each hour for citizens wanting information in flood areas. The number is 206-296-8200 or 1-800-945-9263.

Citizens who need help interpreting flood information should call 206-296-4535 or 1-800-768-7932. Problems on county maintained roads can be reported by calling 206-296-8100 or 1-800-KC-ROADS.