King County opens Flood Warning Center as heavy rain brings flood flows to Tolt River

King County opened its Flood Warning Center early Sunday morning as the much-anticipated Pineapple Express brought drenching rain that has river levels on the rise across the region, including the Tolt River, which has surpassed a Phase II flood alert level.

As of 2:30 a.m., the Tolt River was flowing at more than 3,170 cubic feet per second (CFS), well above the Phase II threshold of 2,500 CFS for that river. At these flows, minor flooding could occur in low spots along the river.

A Phase II flood alert level is the level of the county's four-phase warning system at which the Flood Warning Center activates to monitor conditions. King County Flood Warning staff note that flows are also rising on other rivers, including the Snoqualmie River, which could reach a Phase II flood alert level later Sunday morning.

Flood Warning Center staff will monitor stream gages and weather reports, and will provide updated information on river conditions as necessary. Real-time river level information is available online at http://www.kingcounty.gov/flood.

Updated information on flooding will also be posted on the King County Web site at www.kingcounty.gov, or via RPIN, the area's regional website 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.

A new, automated flood alert system is now available and provides real-time warning of potential high water on more than a half-dozen rivers. King County residents and business owners can sign up to receive King County Flood Alerts by visiting www.kingcounty.gov/flood, or by calling 206-263-3400 during regular business hours to register by phone. Messages of potential high flows on any of King County’s major river systems can be sent by phone, text or e-mail.

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The King County Flood Control District is a special purpose government created to provide funding and policy oversight for flood protection projects and programs in King County. The Flood Control District’s Board is composed of the members of the King County Council. The Water and Land Resources Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks develops and implements the approved flood protection projects and programs. Visit http://www.kingcountyfloodcontrol.org for more information.

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