SNOHOMISH — Emergency planners are continuing to watch rising water along the Snohomish River this morning near the city of Snohomish while flood waters recede along the Skykomish and Stillaguamish rivers.
The Snohomish River is expected to crest between 29 and 30 feet at Snohomish beginning about 11 a.m. today. That is four or five feet above flood stage.
“We’ll maintain vigilance until it’s crested,” Snohomish County spokesman Christopher Schwarzen said
Concerns that a high tide might push water back into the Snohomish, creating higher levels of flooding, are waning. Low-tide should meet with the crest when it moves through the county, county officials say. Combined with the lower-than-predicted crest, there is little concern of breeched levees or overtopping.
There’s no indication that officials will need to shut down Highway 9, Schwarzen said. More than two dozen roads around the county remain shut down because of flooding.
The Snohomish River at Monroe crested at 17.8 feet about 5 a.m. today. That was a couple feet below what had been predicted Wednesday.
Firefighters from Monroe and Sultan rescued one man who needed medical attention this morning. Ben Howard Road leading to the man’s home was covered by flood waters. Firefighters brought a raft to the man and took him to a waiting ambulance.
As flood waters recede, emergency planners expect to begin the process of assessing the damage to road, bridges and other infrastructure. Snohomish County Public Works crews later this afternoon likely will begin inspecting roads that were affected by the flooding, Schwarzen said.
Residents are still being advised of potential landslides from the heavy rains and flooding.
A reprieve from the rain is expected through the weekend and into the middle of next week. Any weather systems that move in are expected to be weak bringing with them small amounts of rain.
Residents and business owners who have been affected by the flooding are encouraged to begin documenting the damage and begin reporting it to their insurance companies. Damage also can be called into the county’s Department of Emergency Management at 425-388-5060.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
