Flood warnings added for Monroe, Snohomish

New flood warnings have been issued for the Snohomish River at Monroe and Snohomish.

Flood warnings were issued the morning of Nov. 7 for the Skykomish River at Gold Bar.

Residents near Monroe and Snohomish have been told to prepare for moderate flooding beginning the afternoon of Nov. 7 in low-lying areas near the river. Flooding already has been reported in Index, Gold Bar and Sultan along the Skykomish River.

River levels continue to fluctuate on the Stillaguamish River and its north and south forks. A flood warning was removed from the river the morning of Nov. 7, but as of press time, it remains part of an overall flood watch for Snohomish County.

A flood watch indicates that weather conditions are favorable for flooding but flooding is not imminent or currently occurring.

No evacuations have been issued, but residents living near these rivers have been urged to use caution through the afternoon of Nov. 8, when rivers are expected to begin returning to normal levels.

In Monroe, forecasts predict the Snohomish River will crest slightly above flood stage in the early morning hours of Nov. 8. The Snohomish River is expected to crest at Snohomish later that morning.

Snohomish County’s Department of Emergency Management has tasked crews with shoring up low river banks near Index to minimize flooding impacts. Sand and bags have been prepped at Gold Bar and other locations throughout Snohomish County.

The areas near Gold Bar and the Cascade foothills have received at least eight inches of rain since weather conditions began Nov. 6, putting extreme pressure on the river systems flowing through the heart of the county. At least another two to four inches were expected to fall before the end of Nov. 7.

Rising water has forced the county to close a few roads, including 399th Avenue SE near Gold Bar and First Street in Sultan. Snohomish County Public Works is inspecting other roads.

The Department of Emergency Management expects to continue operating at a moderate level, continually analyzing weather forecasts and river data throughout the flood watch.

Should flooding occur, citizens should stay away from rising waters and not drive through areas of flowing or standing water or around road closure barriers.

Road flooding should be reported to the municipality where it occurs. Flooding on county roads can be reported to the Public Works Department at 425-388-7500 or contact.pwrm@snoco.org.

Road closure lists and flood updates can be found at www.snoco.org. Additional flooding issues can be reported to Emergency Management at 425-388-5060.

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