King County Flood Warning Center closing as river flows continue to drop

The King County Flood Warning Center is planning to close at 11 p.m. Monday evening, as flows continue to drop on all river systems, including the Green River.

The Flood Warning Center opened at 2 a.m. Sunday morning, Dec. 12, as heavy rainfall pushed flows higher on rivers across King County, including the Tolt, Snoqualmie and Green rivers. Flood Warning Center staff closely watched stream gages, weather forecasts and other data, and helped coordinate King County’s response to the flooding.

The Tolt River reached a Phase IV flood alert level, with heavy and widespread flooding along its course, while the Snoqualmie River reached a Phase III flood alert level that closed some roads and flooded low-lying fields. The Green River also reached a Phase III flood alert level, with some flooding noted in the sparsely populated area of the Green River Valley upstream of Auburn.

While the Flood Warning Center is scheduled to close now that the immediate threat of flooding had passed, King County staff will continue to 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 website 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.

An 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.
and programs. Visit http://www.kingcountyfloodcontrol.org for more information.

Related information

Flooding services and information

Green River Watershed

Snoqualmie-Skykomish Watershed

What to do before, during and after a flood