EVERETT — It’s that time of year in Western Washington when fallen leaves clog storm drains, rivers rise with heavy rains and the streets and valleys begin to flood.
Whether you live on a farm in Monroe or a townhouse in Everett, seasonal flooding can quickly go from a nuisance to a life-threatening situation if conditions change and you’re unprepared.
Multiple Snohomish County departments came together to compile a list of flood resources, so residents can be ready before, during and after flooding events. Find the full list of resources with links at https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/3116.
“It is important for Snohomish County residents, especially those who live in the floodplains, to know what resources are available as it can make all the difference in protecting their families and property,” said Snohomish County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Communication Specialist Meghan Jordan in an email. “By taking time, ahead of a flood, to learn about flood preparedness resources such as SnoCoAlerts and River Gauge Notifications, residents can be more prepared when flooding occurs.”
Preparing for floods or mitigating flood risks:
Annual Flood Safety Guide – This guide, created by county staff, provides information about the county’s history of flooding and how to determine your property’s flood risk. The document also provides information on obtaining flood insurance and developing a safety plan in the event of a flood.
Snohomish County Hazard Viewer — The interactive site allows users to type in their address to different maps to see what hazards their property could be affected by. Click on the ‘Explore all hazards’ tab to combine all data sets into one map.
Flood Information Center — This is the county’s go-to site for all things flood. Visit to subscribe to flood notifications, find tips on how to prepare for a flood or find real-time stats of river flows. The website also has links to post-flood resources.
Flood Insurance Rate Maps — The county’s webpage explaining how to find where your property is relative to flood hazard areas and how to find the FEMA Map Service Center.
Where to get real-time information during a flood:
Real-Time Flood Information System — Sign up for flood notifications and check the website for countywide and river basin-specific maps as well as updated river flow gauges.
Sno-Co Alerts — Sign up for life-safety and hazard alerts from the county.
Snohomish County’s Department of Emergency Management Facebook page and X (Twitter) account — Where the county will post information and updates during severe weather events.
Road Closure Map — Updated map of road closures throughout the county.
Clogged Drains Or Culverts – Call Snohomish County road maintenance at 425-388-7500 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dealing with the aftermath of a flood:
Emergency Flood Sanitation Guide — The county’s health department guide gives tips and instructions on making sure drinking water and well water are safe for consumption after flooding events. The document also guides dealing with potential food contamination and electrical safety.
Flood Recovery Guide — The document is “intended to assist residents whose homes have been affected by flood damage and who are in the process of recovery. It contains information on keeping your family and pets safe, checking the structural safety of your home, cleaning up and salvaging your property, getting back on track financially and reducing future flood damage.”
Drainage Investigation Request Form — Use this form to report drainage issues.
Eliza Aronson: 425-339-3434; eliza.aronson@heraldnet.com; X: @ElizaAronson.
Eliza’s stories are supported by the Herald’s Environmental and Climate Reporting Fund.
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