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King County
Executive Office
Ron Sims, King County Executive 701 Fifth Ave. Suite 3210 Seattle, WA 98104 Phone: 206-296-4040 Fax: 206-296-0194 TTY Relay: 711
Image: King County Exeutive Ron Sims, News Release

Dec. 3, 2007

King County continues response as rain slows

Caution urged near flood waters and on roads

Caution urged near flood waters and on roadsThe King County Emergency Coordination Center will continue to be activated throughout the evening in response to the severe rain and wind impacting all parts of the County. Road closures due to flood waters and mud slides, as well as isolated flooding of homes and businesses highlight the worst impacts from the series of recent storms.

The King County Flood Warning Center continues to closely monitor the Tolt and Snoqualmie Rivers along with Issaquah Creek for potential flooding. Flooding is expected to occur in the Snoqualmie Valley from Fall City downstream through Carnation and Duvall. The Cedar, White and Green Rivers are flowing at low levels and they are not anticipated to cause any flood problems during this storm. Flood patrol crews will continue to monitor conditions along major rivers and levees through the evening and as long as conditions warrant. For real time river level information visit www.kingcounty.gov/flood.

King County Roads Services Division crews will continue to monitor and respond throughout the night to the impacts on county roads. The most serious slides have occurred at Northeast 172nd Street at 152nd Place near Woodinville and at the intersection of Jones Road and 196th Ave. Southeast near Renton. Roadway clean up efforts cannot even begin until the rain subsides and the hillsides stabilize. Motorists are urged not to drive around road closures and through standing water on roadways. 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 majority of King County’s wastewater facilities continue to operate normally despite very high volumes of storm water and wastewater flowing into the treatment system. Late this morning, sewer utility crews responded quickly to control an overflow near Matthews Park Pump Station in northeast Seattle. High water pressure forced open the gate of a regulator station, causing storm water and wastewater to overflow into nearby Thornton Creek. To protect public health, the county posted affected areas, took water samples, and told health and regulatory agencies about overflow.

Wastewater Treatment Division employees are also responding to reports of overflowing manholes in the Carkeek Park area and will take needed measures to protect public health and safety. Staff will continue to monitor the system around the clock.

The American Red Cross and the City of Shoreline Parks Department opened a shelter at Spartan Gym (18560 1st Ave. NW) to help those who were forced from their homes due to flood waters around the North Seattle area.

Safety messages:

With scattered power outages, residents are urged only to use a generator outdoors and far from open windows and vents. Never use a generator indoors, in garages or carports and never cook or heat inside on a charcoal or gas grill.

As flood waters drop back to normal levels in the coming days residents should take the following precautions when cleaning up after the flooding subsides:

  • Open all doors and windows to allow the moisture to flow outside. A de-humidifier will speed up drying.
  • If you are sensitive to mold or mildew, wear a mask or respirator containing an appropriate filter.
  • Never turn on wet electric appliances because they may cause an electric shock, overheat, or start a fire.
  • Mop concrete floor and walls with a bleach solution (3/4 cups of household bleach to a gallon of water). Rinse and dry after 5 minutes. Open windows when applying the bleach solution.
  • If you suspect that your well was flooded, be sure to get a laboratory test to ensure your drinking water is free from contamination.

More information on health related topics (in multiple languages) can be found at http://www.metrokc.gov/health/disaster/.

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.


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  Updated: Dec. 3, 2007