Some major western Washington rivers are expected to flood today, including "major" flooding forecast along the Snohomish and Snoqualmie, according to the National Weather Service.
Heavy rains the past few days, with heavy concentrations in the Cascades and Cascade foothills, and warmer mountain temperatures, have produced rapid runoff.
Flood warnings are issued for these rivers in Snohomish and King counties:
- Snohomish
- Skykomish
- Snoqualmie
- Tolt
- Stillaguamish (north and middle forks)
- Green (middle reach upstream of Auburn)
In Pierce County, KING-TV reports the Puyallup River near Ortingwas expected to reach a high point last night:
The river was expected to crest around 11 p.m. Wednesday.
In King County, minor flooding is expected along the Green River, after controlled water releases from Howard Hanson Dam. The Green is under a Phase II flood alert, while the Snoqualmie and Tolt rivers are under a Phase III alert, meaning low lying areas are experiencing flooding already.
Roads Closed
Emergency responders are warning people not to drive vehicles through flooded areas watch for every county bordering Puget Sound, as well as for Lewis County in southwest Washington.
A number of roads are closed this morning in East King County, according to King County emergency management. The agency keeps an updated website with closure information and maps.
