The region is returning to a cooler, more seasonable weather pattern with occasional weather systems bringing lowland rain, mountain snow, and occasional breezy conditions. This will reduce the overall risk of additional flooding through December 25. The risk of additional atmospheric river activity is likely from approximately December 27 through 31. Residents should remain vigilant, especially around rivers and in floodplains.

The King County Flood Warning Center is actively monitoring flood levels and changing conditions in areas along the Green and White rivers as well as other previously impacted rivers.

• River gauge data can be found here.
• For the latest flood phase information, visit kingcounty.gov/flood.
• Updated river flooding information can also be found at kingcountygreen.com blog.
• USACE Uses Strategic Safe Reservoir Drawdowns to Protect Green and White River Valleys

When traveling by bus, please check to see if your route is affected before traveling.

Tips for preventing and dealing with flooding

• Do not drive, wade, or walk through flooded areas. Watch for road closures and never drive around barricades. Turn around, don’t drown.  
• Check kingcounty.gov/MyCommute for road closure information. (MyCommute may be experiencing some delays; we are aware of the issue and working on it.)
• Keep street drains, storm grates and flap gates (a one-way flow control device) clear of leaves and other debris. Call 206-477-8100 if you need assistance.
• Use sandbags to protect your home or property. Sandbag distribution locations can be found at kingcounty.gov/sandbags.
• Be prepared to evacuate immediately if a “GO NOW” message is issued.

Landslides are also an increasing threat as hillsides become saturated with water. Learn the signs of an impending landslide:

• Bulging ground at the base of a slope
• Outside walls, walkways, or stairs pulling away from structures
• Widening cracks in the ground or on paved areas such as streets or driveways
• New cracks appearing in plaster, tile, brick, or foundations
• Water breaking through the ground in new locations
• Fences, retaining walls, utility poles, or trees tilting or moving

Visit kingcounty.gov/landslide for more information.

If you experience a power outage or floodwater covering your gas meter, you can contact your provider by going to:

• Puget Sound Energy outage map/Report an outage
  • Assume all wires on the ground are energized. Never touch or go within 35 feet of any wire on the ground. Call PSE at 1-888-225-5773 or 911 to report any wire on the ground. 
• In the event of flood water going over gas meters (partially or fully submerged), report it to PSE by calling 1-888-225-5773. 
• Seattle City Light – View and report outages
• Tanner Electric – Outage map

How to report downed trees

• If the downed tree is on a power line:
  • Report to power company or call 9-1-1
    • Call PSE at 1-888-225-5773 
    • Call Seattle Public Utilities at 206-684-3000 
• If the downed tree is on private property:
  • This is the property owner’s responsibility
• If the tree has fallen from King County property onto or blocking private property:
  • This depends, customers can file a claim with King County at this link.

Managing and disposing of flood debris

Property damage caused by flooding can feel overwhelming and stressful.  If you have been impacted by recent flooding, resources are available to you.

Please complete a property damage survey to report damage to your home or business and learn more about how to assess damage.

King County Solid Waste facilities, including all transfer stations and drop boxes, remain open to self-haul customers and are accepting garbage, recycling and yard waste.

• We encourage residents to check local road conditions and facility pages before visiting any of our transfer stations.
• Residents can find a list of King County Solid Waste facilities and wait times here, including disposal fees.
• A visual guide of accepted materials by station is available here, and on our facilities pages in 8 languages.
• Find options for items NOT ACCEPTED at King County facilities here.

If you are bringing flood-related debris to a King County transfer station, please sort materials before arriving. For example, separate yard waste from garbage, and keep hazardous waste apart from other debris.

• Hazardous materials – such as paint or propane cans – can only be disposed of at certain locations. If you’re unsure, check our facility websites or call Customer Service at 206-477‑4466. For hazardous waste questions, call our Hazardous Waste team at 206-296‑4692.
• If you are not able to separate your debris, we can accept commingled clean‑up waste at our facilities. Find a location near you at kingcounty.gov/solidwaste.

King County is also working with our partners to establish debris collection sites outside of our regular facilities. Locations and more information will be shared with residents as soon as possible.

Do not abandon damaged vehicles or vessels. Abandoned vehicles and vessels may be subject to fines or fees. Vehicles or vessels may be towed away at the property owner’s expense by a state-registered tow service. Owners should contact their insurance company for additional guidance if needed.

If you have questions about where to dispose of flood-related debris, contact Solid Waste Division Customer Service at solidwaste@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-4466. 

If you have questions about curbside pickup services for your home or business, please contact your service provider:

• WM: pnwrsservices@wm.com or 1-800-592-9995 (M-F, 7 am – 7 pm)
• Republic Services: 206-682-9730 for residential services (M-F, 8 am – 5 pm)
  • For commercial services, call 206-682-3037 for North King County and 253-872-7220 for South King County.
• Recology: seattle@recology.com or (206) 684-3000 for residential and multi-family, or (206) 250-7500 for commercial services.

Regional Animal Services of King County

• Out of caution due to the ongoing flood emergency, operations will be limited at the King County Pet Adoption Center in Kent until further notice.
  • Avoid bringing stray animals into the shelter. Instead use the tips at kingcounty.gov/FoundAPet
  • Hold off on surrendering a pet. Connect with friends or family for temporary pet housing if you live in a flood-impacted area.

King County Wastewater Treatment Division resources

• The White River levee breach has not affected the two King County Wastewater Treatment Division pump stations in the area. Operators and staff are ready to respond as needed.
• Because of all of the rain, it’s important to check the combined sewer overflow (CSO) status map at kingcounty.gov/CSOStatus before you visit areas with CSO warning signs within Seattle (places such as lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water) and avoid entering the water for 48 hours following a storm event. 

For more information visit: kingcounty.gov/wtd-incident-response

Links to more information:

• King County Flood Control District Flood Resources
• King County Flood Warning Center Flood Preparedness
• Flooding and Weather Event Updates – City of Auburn
• TakeWinterByStorm.org