Dec. 3, 2007
King County responds to heavy rain
Residents urged to stay safe as rivers rise
As of 10:30 a.m. this morning, King County activated its Emergency Coordination Center in Renton in response to the severe rain and potential flooding around the county. King County is working closely with local cities as well as public and private partners in the region to ensure the safety and protection of county residents and resources.
King County Roads Services Division crews are monitoring the impacts on county roads due to mudslides and rising waters. Up to date road closure information can be found at http://www.metrokc.gov/kcdot/roads/roadalert. Problems on county maintained roads can be reported by calling 206-296-8100 or 1-800-KC-ROADS.
The King County Flood Warning Center is also activated and is closely monitoring the county rivers as the rain continues to fall. Particular attention is being paid to the Tolt and Snoqualmie Rivers. For real time river level information visit www.kingcounty.gov/flood.
King County’s wastewater treatment facilities are continuing to operate normally despite high volumes of storm water entering the regional wastewater treatment system. Division employees are closely monitoring facilities and are working around the clock to respond to changing conditions in order to prevent back ups and overflows.
Officials urge residents to never drive through standing water or around barricades; this is how most lives are lost during flooding. Also, know where your shut offs are. If flooding occurs, you'll need to know how to shut off electricity, gas and water at main switches and valves.
Residents in affected areas can get updated information on flooding on the King County Web site at www.kingcounty.gov or can visit the Regional Public Information Network at www.rpin.org.
Related information
- RPIN: emergency alerts
- Road closures and alerts
- King County Flood Warning System
- Heavy rain causing hazardous travel conditions throughout King County
In the news
- Heavy rainfall may set record, Seattle Times
- Winter rains belt Seattle and region, Seattle Post Intelligencer
- Flooding, High Winds Batter Western Washington, KIRO News
- Rain, winds hammer Western Washington, King 5 News
- Part 3 of stormy trilogy brings heavy rain and strong wind, KOMO