King County opens Flood Warning Center as Tolt River levels rise

Continued rainfall across eastern King County brought the Tolt River into a Phase II flood alert level late Wednesday evening, with minor flooding expected in the watershed. King County opened its Flood Warning Center at 11:45 p.m. and is monitoring river levels.

As of midnight, the Tolt River was flowing at more than 3,100 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.

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 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.

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.

# # #

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.

Related information

Flooding services and information

Flood Warning System

Prepare now for floods

Snoqualmie/Skykomish Watershed

King County Flood Control District

King County Water and Land Resources