La Niña Could Spell Another Active Flood Season For King County

KING COUNTY, WA — King County leaders are preparing for what could be another busy season responding to floodwaters amid a rare third consecutive La Niña winter, a phenomenon that typically keeps Washington cooler and wetter.

The Climate Prediction Center's latest three-month outlooks favor above-average precipitation between November and January. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's winter outlook paints a picture for another active season in Washington.

After a late start, fall is shaping up to be a wet one, too. Forecasters are tracking another atmospheric river poised to soak Washington starting late Thursday, and area rivers will rise through the weekend. A flood watch will be in effect for King and Snohomish counties through Saturday afternoon.

Flooding from recent storms already prompted road closures around the Snoqualmie River Valley over Halloween.

King County Executive Dow Constantine joined the county's flood district Wednesday to discuss the county's preparations and share a few tips for neighbors.

"Climate change is already increasing our odds of seeing more frequent and intense flooding, and a third La Niña weather pattern only adds more certainty to predictions of an active flood season," Constantine said. "I urge everyone who lives, works, or travels through flood-prone areas take steps now to be prepared."

According to the county, last year's La Niña produced eight flood events, ranging from minor to moderate, including rare flooding seen in June. Work continues on projects to reduce the risks to homes in flood-prone areas while improving the habitats of native salmon.

"Flooding is our most frequent natural disaster and finding ways to reduce the risk of flood damage to people and property is something we work on throughout the year," said King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove, the flood district chair. "One example is the Lower Russell Levee Setback Project that will be completed this year in Kent. The project replaces an old, degraded levee with a new setback levee creating more space for flood water and reduces the risk of flooding to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure in the lower Green River Valley."

King County Road Services crews also worked this week to repair damage from a spring slide on Auburn-Black Diamond Road and bolster the road for the season.

Neighbors can take a few steps to prepare, including clearing the leaves from their storm drains and taking a few minutes to make sure they have access to the latest flood information. King County Flood Alerts offer subscribers free flood updates for seven rivers and Issaquah Creek. This year, the Keeping King County Green Blog will also post real-time updates, photos and videos of flood conditions around the region.

When rivers reach certain thresholds, the county also activates the Flood Warning Center, where residents can contact staff around the clock to report concerns and get questions answered at 206-296-8200. Information on current road closures is posted online, including a live map, and drivers can report road issues by phone at 206-477-8100.

Here are a few more flood-related tips from King County:

• Learn about flood risks where you live, work, go to school or commute enter an address at kingcounty.gov/floodmap.
• Buy flood insurance. It takes 30 days for a policy to take effect, and standard homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. Contact your insurance agent or visit floodsmart.gov.
• Build an emergency kit. Preparedness for those living in flood-prone areas includes assembling a basic emergency kit for the home, with items such as a flashlight with spare batteries, a portable radio, non-perishable food, drinking water, medical necessities, and any necessary items for children or pets.
• Move hazardous chemicals, such as lawn and gardening herbicides, out of flood prone areas or dispose at one of the county’s household hazardous waste sites to help reduce harmful contaminates in flood waters. Learn more at kingcounty.gov/hazwaste.
• Clear storm drains and gutters of fallen leaves to prevent flooding and protect streams.