Climate scientists say the Pacific Northwest could experience a neutral “La Nada” winter weather pattern – neither El Nino nor La Nina – and while the name might imply no significant weather might occur, it is in fact a pattern that historically has meant stronger storms with more flooding across King County.
King County Executive Dow Constantine and the King County Flood Control District Friday recognized October as Flood Awareness Month.
“Residents living in flood-prone areas would do well to consider keeping a simple emergency kit containing fresh water, flashlights, blankets, and a radio on hand,” said Reagan Dunn, Chair of the King County Flood Control District. “I would also strongly encourage signing up for King County Flood Alerts which can provide you with up to date information about possible flooding near you.”
Scientists note that the currently observed weak El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) weather pattern over the equatorial Pacific Ocean often increases the variability and frequency of weather extremes in the Pacific Northwest, in both temperature and precipitation, when compared to moderate or strong ENSO years.
While the forecast ahead of the 2015-16 flood season called for the drier, warmer El Nino pattern that often results in a subdued flood season, King County employees responded to at least one river flooding event for five consecutive months – from October 2015 through February 2016 – including major widespread flooding on two occasions.
River flooding has led to 12 presidentially declared disasters in King County since 1990.
To prepare for a flood emergency, families can assemble a basic emergency preparedness kit for the home, with items such as a flashlight with spare batteries, a portable radio, non-perishable food, drinking water, and books or games for younger family members.
King County provides information to allow residents the maximum amount of time to prepare for potential flooding on any of King County’s six major river systems, as well as the South Fork Skykomish River in the northeastern corner of the county.
Download the free King County Flood Warning app to your mobile device and subscriber to KC Flood Alerts for your choice of a text, email or phone call alert on any or all county rivers.
Learn more about the app and sign up for KC Flood Alerts at www.kingcounty.gov/flood. This website offers the latest information about river levels and road conditions, plus weather reports and other critical links.
Additional preparations for flood season include:
• Buying flood insurance now. It takes 30 days for a policy to take effect, and a standard insurance policy will not cover flood damage. Contact your insurance agent or visit www.floodsmart.gov.
• Monitoring local media for information when severe weather is predicted. Listen for alerts about evacuation routes, and monitor local road conditions and obey closure signs.
• Minimizing flood damage by storing valuables and electronics higher, and by moving vehicles and equipment to high ground before flood waters rise.
• Disposing of hazardous chemicals, such as lawn and gardening herbicides, at one of the county’s household hazardous waste sites to help reduce harmful contaminates in flood waters. Learn more at www.kingcounty.gov/hazwaste.
When flooding is imminent, King County employees gather, analyze and distribute flood warning information so that residents, businesses, property owners and emergency responders can make important public safety and economic decisions.
Once rivers rise to designated thresholds, King County’s Flood Warning Center opens to monitor river gages, weather data, dam operations and road closures, 24 hours a day until the flood threat has passed.
County employees head into the field at designated flood levels to address safety concerns, such as flooded roadways, and to check on flood control facilities.
When the Flood Warning Center is open, citizens can speak directly to King County employees 24 hours a day by calling 206-296-8200 or 1-800-945-9263. Interpreter services are available.
Questions or assistance with flooding on smaller streams or urban drainage problems can be called in to 206-477-4811 during business hours, or 206-477-8100 after hours or on weekends.
Efforts to protect people and property have earned King County the highest rating of any county in the United States under Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community Rating System (CRS). King County’s high CRS rating is saving policyholders in unincorporated King County more than $1 million in flood insurance premiums – an average of $425 per policy.
