Summary

More rain is expected for areas of King County and rivers continue to rise as the King County Office of Emergency Management continues its 24/7 support of coordinated storm and flooding response efforts with local cities. Some rivers are reaching near record highs. In addition, landslides and avalanches still pose significant hazards. Some communities have issued recommended evacuations due to flood levels.

Story

More rain is expected for areas of King County and rivers continue to rise as the King County Office of Emergency Management continues its 24/7 support of coordinated storm and flooding response efforts with local cities. Some rivers are reaching near record highs. In addition, landslides and avalanches still pose significant hazards. Some communities have issued recommended evacuations due to flood levels.

Metro Transit and the American Red Cross are facilitating the evacuation of 48 nursing home residents this afternoon from the North Bend/Mt. Si area to sister facilities. A reverse-911 evacuation notification was issued to 400 homes in the City of Snoqualmie and access in and out of a neighborhood of 20 homes near Lake Dorothy has been cut off. County Roads crews continue to clear landslides and close roads as they become flooded. For a complete list of county road closures, visit http://www.metrokc.gov/kcdot/roads/roadalert/default.aspx.

There is also a mudslide blocking a King County Parks-owned access road at Pinnacle Peak near Enumclaw. Parks crews will wait until morning when the slide is more stable to attempt to clear the road. In the meantime, several property owners who live on Pinnacle Peak less than a mile from the slide are being informed that they will be unable to use the road to access their property or leave until the road is cleared.

Motorists are strongly urged to exercise extreme caution when driving in wet weather and to not go around road barriers. Drivers should not take risks by driving through standing water. Water can be deeper than it appears, roadways can be undermined or washed away and water levels can rise quickly. Traveling through flooded areas is the number one cause of flood-related deaths in Washington.

Motorists are advised to pack emergency supplies, such as food, water, warm clothing, blankets, flares, first aid kits and water-proof boots in their vehicle. Should drivers become stranded, they should stay with their vehicle and call for assistance.

Other potential hazards to avoid include downed power lines and structures that may be unsafe due to flooding. Public Health advises residents to take measures to protect themselves from exposure to sewage from flooded septic tanks. They should also be aware that water supplied could be contaminated in flooded areas. For more information about public health issues related to flooding, visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/news/2009/09010701.aspx.

King County Flood Patrol Crews will continue visual checks of levees and other flood control structures through the evening. The county Flood Warning Center opened at 4p.m. Wed. and will continue 24 hour operation until conditions improve.

For more information about flood conditions, resources, and safety tips, visit www.takewinterbystorm.org or call King County Office of Emergency Management at 206-296-3830.