Urban flooding expected in Snohomish County today
Published 10:15 am Thursday, November 6, 2008
Localized flooding of some streets is expected in Everett and other cities in western Snohomish County today as rainfall continues to pound the area.
A flood watch issued for the county was expanded this morning into King County and as far south as Thurston County, which could complicate commutes for Snohomish County residents who work or are traveling in those areas.
The rain is expected to get heavier throughout the day and push some rivers above their banks between 4 p.m. today and 4 a.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
“The Stillaguamish River has been looking like its going to be right near flood stage,” said Brent Bower, a hydrologist for the National Weather Service in Seattle.
The Snohomish River is not likely to flood today, he said, but weather patterns are changing so quickly that it’s difficult to predict what will happen later today or throughout the weekend.
Current forecasts predict five to seven inches of rain in Snohomish County, and as much as 10 inches of rain on the Olympic Peninsula.
There’s already been so much rain that Snohomish County and the city of Everett have sent out crews to clean out storm drains to try to avoid flooding in urban streets. Everett spokeswoman Kate Reardon asked city residents to rake leaves and clear out other debris that could flow with the rainwater into storm drains and clog systems that are likely to reach their limit. Everett’s north end is at particular risk for flooded ditches and streets, she said.
Reardon said city and county officials are closely watching the Snohomish River near the Lowell area, where parks and public spaces are at risk for flooding.
“Things are actually looking better for us than they are in other parts of the region, but we’re on a flood watch, so that means keep your eyes out,” she said.
County crews are standing by to respond immediately to any flooding, said Mark Murphy, a program manager for Snohomish County’s Department of Emergency Management.
Flood maps and forecasts are available from Snohomish County and the National Weather Service.
