MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Are you ready for flood season?

Oct 30, 2015, 1:17 PM | Updated: 2:34 pm

November is historically the wettest month of the year. Flood season is here and usually continues ...

November is historically the wettest month of the year. Flood season is here and usually continues into March. (AP)

(AP)

November is historically the wettest month of the year in Western Washington and flood season usually continues into March.

So now is a good time to review a number of key flood related topics before the first flood event of the season arrives. First, some terminology. What is flood stage? That is the water level when the river begins to create some public threat such as cover some roads and threaten property. Flood stage at river forecast points are reviewed each year with local authorities since rivers do evolve and conditions in the rivers change.

There are three flood categories. Minor flood category is flood stage where relatively minor flood impacts occur. The next category is moderate – where river waters rise to the point where some inundation of structures occurs and some evacuations are needed. The final category is major flood. This category does not happen very often and involves extensive inundation of property and significant evacuations are needed.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has over 40 river forecast points in Western Washington. These locations represent a stretch of the river. River forecasts for these locations are available via the NWS Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service. Visit NWS Seattle to find the river forecast point near you for the latest readings and forecasts. Flood stage and flood categories are listed there along with historical flood information as well.

The latest winter weather outlook from the NWS’s Climate Prediction Center anticipates a quite warm or strong El Nino for this winter season. The history of western Washington flooding during El Nino winters indicates flooding often occurs yet tends to involve only minor flooding. Significant widespread flooding can occur, but it less often compared to La Nina or neutral winters. The last significant flooding during an El Nino winter occurred in November of 2006.

El Ninos often bring above average temperatures and that is the outlook for this winter. Warmer temperatures mean, on average, a higher snow level that translates into a less than average mountain snowpack. Yet a repeat of last winter’s meager snowpack is not anticipated. This winter’s mountain snowpack should be much better than last winter, though still likely below average by next spring.

What can you do to get ready for flooding? For tips on what to do before, during and after a flood, visit NWS Flood Safety Turn Around Don’t Drown. The number one cause of flood related fatalities is people driving through or walking on water covered roadways. A couple of feet of moving water can easily lift and sweep a vehicle away.

In addition, the Take Winter By Storm preparedness campaign underway right now offers a number of flood and winter weather readiness tips and information.

Pacific Northwest NWS offices are conducting a Pacific Northwest Winter Weather Awareness Week from November 1 through the 7. Flooding is among the winter weather hazards addressed.
Get all the facts on our Facebook and Twitter pages to help you get better prepared for winter weather including flooding.

MyNorthwest News

Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour at Lumen Field on July 22, 20...

Micki Gamez, KIRO Newsradio and Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest

Seattle tourism dollars break records following All-Star Week, Taylor Swift

It was a record-setting year for dollars flowing into Seattle from tourists.

43 minutes ago

Image: A bridge in Carnation....

Julia Dallas

Carnation frustrated with Seattle again after 8th false emergency alarm induces widespread panic

Carnation citizens have faced a series of panic-inducing alarms after SPU's system for the Tolt Dam falsely sounded eight times.

2 hours ago

Grocery store shopper...

Bill Kaczaraba

Ways to deal with Seattle grocery store sticker shock

Seattle grocery store sticker shock continues to play havoc on locals, but there are ways to counter high prices.

2 hours ago

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

3 hours ago

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

6 hours ago

Kia Boys...

Kate Stone and Bill Kaczaraba

‘Kia Boyz’ allegedly execute a crime spree in south King County

Renton police chased down a 14-and 16-year-old but are still looking for two other teen suspects in what they said was a "crime spree" in south King County.

7 hours ago

Are you ready for flood season?