King County opens Flood Warning Center as heavy rain brings flood flows to Tolt River

[Philip]

King County opens Flood Warning Center as heavy rain brings flood
flows to Tolt River
King County
Release Date and Time: 12-12-2010 02:50:00 AM


King County opened its Flood Warning Center early Sunday morning as
the much-anticipated Pineapple Express brought drenching rain that has
river levels on the rise across the region, including the Tolt River,
which has surpassed a Phase II flood alert level.

As of 2:30 a.m., the Tolt River was flowing at more than 3,170 cubic
feet per second (CFS), well above the Phase II threshold of 2,500 CFS
for that river. At these flows, minor flooding could occur in low
spots along the river.

A Phase II flood alert level is the level of the county's four-phase
warning system at which the Flood Warning Center activates to monitor
conditions. King County Flood Warning staff note that flows are also
rising on other rivers, including the Snoqualmie River, which could
reach a Phase II flood alert level later Sunday morning.
Flood Warning Center staff will monitor stream gages and weather
reports, and will provide updated information on river conditions as
necessary. Real-time river level information is available online at
http://www.kingcounty.gov/flood.

Updated information on flooding will also be posted on the King County
Web site at www.kingcounty.gov, or via RPIN, the area's regional
website at http://www.rpin.org. A recorded flood-information hotline
is also updated each hour for citizens wanting information in flood
areas. The number is 206-296-8200 or 1-800-945-9263.

Citizens who need help interpreting flood information should call
206-296-4535 or 1-800-768-7932. Problems on county maintained roads
can be reported by calling 206-296-8100 or 1-800-KC-ROADS.

A new, automated flood alert system is now available and provides real-
time warning of potential high water on more than a half-dozen rivers.
King County residents and business owners can sign up to receive King
County Flood Alerts by visiting www.kingcounty.gov/flood, or by
calling 206-263-3400 during regular business hours to register by
phone. Messages of potential high flows on any of King County’s major
river systems can be sent by phone, text or e-mail.

# # #

The King County Flood Control District is a special purpose government
created to provide funding and policy oversight for flood protection
projects and programs in King County. The Flood Control District’s
Board is composed of the members of the King County Council. The Water
and Land Resources Division of the King County Department of Natural
Resources and Parks develops and implements the approved flood
protection projects and programs. Visit http://www.kingcountyfloodcontrol.org
for more information.


Home;
http://www.rpin.org/rpinweb/


Source;

http://www.rpin.org/rpinweb/ViewPosting.aspx?PostingID=1810


Copyright 2010 Atkins & Assoc. All rights reserved.