Some areas see major flooding as rain continues to fall across Northwest

The unrelenting rain that has been coming down around the Pacific Northwest has caused flooding in many areas, with rivers rising quickly and all of Western Washington under a flood watch.

The National Weather Service issued more than a dozen flood warnings for rivers in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Lewis and Thurston counties early Wednesday. Find severe weather alerts here.

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On Wednesday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee issued an emergency proclamation for 19 counties because of significant winter weather that is forecast to continue through the weekend.

Inslee said storms have caused injuries, power outages, evacuations, rail line closures and extensive damage.

The proclamation affects Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, and Whatcom counties.

King County Executive Dow Constantine also signed a Local Proclamation of Emergency Thursday afternoon to help county staff continue to respond quickly to the dangerous weather situation.

This story highlights some of the flooded areas.

KING COUNTY

In Issaquah, people were scrambling as water rushed into homes and over roads after the Issaquah Creek spilled over its banks overnight, causing severe flooding.

Video taken overnight by KIRO 7 showed flooded yards, and a house south of the city had water up almost up to its door.

At the intersection of Front Street and Newport Way, where there are apartments on either side, there’s about 8 inches of water. Multiple roads are closed, including Issaquah Hobart Road between Tiger Mountain and May Valley Road. Detailed information about flooding in the city can be found is at this link.

On Thursday, Issaquah-Fall City Road is closed from Endeavor Elementary to Southeast 39th due to water over the road. Crews from the Washington State Department of Transportation were also working to clear rocks and water from the roadway.

The King County Flood Warning Center issued a Phase 4 flood alert for the Cedar River, with significant widespread flooding possible across the floodplain and numerous road closures from overtopping floodwaters. A Phase 3 flood alert was also issued for the Tolt River, with moderate flooding possible. You also can find a list of King County road closures here.

Water levels continue to rise on the Green River. Follow this link to see flooding information.

SOUTH SOUND

Neighbors near Nisqually Delta were urged to evacuate by 4 p.m. Thursday as Tacoma Power again increases the amount of water released from the LaGrande Dam.

Thurston County and the American Red Cross are setting up a shelter for people who evacuate. It’s in Lacey at 6015 30th Ave S.E.

Here’s a graph of what’s expected coming into Friday:

Moderate flooding in Thurston County happens when the flow rate exceeds about 15,000 cfs, according to Thurston County Emergency Management. The dam was expected to increase water flow until Friday. Thurston County road closures can be tracked here.

The North Thurston School District has informed parents and guardians that they will not be dropping off students in the affected areas. Parents with students in the North Thurston School District who live in the affected areas must pick up their students from school.

Thurston County Sheriff’s Deputies were going door-to-door Thursday to inform people of the evacuation advisory. Riverside residents of the Nisqually Pines were urged to keep a watchful eye on the river and be prepared to evacuate on short notice, but they were not under an evacuation advisory Thursday afternoon. Residents can monitor river levels here

NORTH SOUND

Numerous roads are closed in Snohomish County. There is water over roads in Marysville, Stanwood, Monroe, and Snohomish. Check Snohomish County road closures here.

In Sultan, sandbags from this weekend’s flooding were still along the streets Thursday.

Outside Monroe, entire fields were underwater, and it was hard to tell Lake Crescent from the Snohomish River.

In Bellingham, city officials were monitoring Lake Whatcom’s water level and water flow gauges in Whatcom Creek, preparing for road closures.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the Bellingham area, with up to 5 inches of rain expected.

Crews with Bellingham Public Works were monitoring creeks and streams to prevent logjams and obstructions at areas that are prone to flooding during heavy rainfall.

Those in need of sandbags can call Bellingham Public Works at (360) 778-7700 or email AskPW@cob.org.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this story.

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