Flooding is the most common natural disaster in King County—a fact that is clear to the many King County residents who lived through the historic 2025 flood season.

Experts predict this year will be a strong El Niño winter, which typically means warmer temperatures and drier conditions in the Pacific Northwest. This doesn’t mean, however, that flooding won’t be a threat. King County has experienced damaging flood events in El Niño winters, including the 2015-2016 flood season which saw flooding and significant rainstorms.

It’s important to know that floods can take place anywhere in King County. Anywhere it rains, it can flood.

But the good news is there are simple steps you can take to protect your loved ones, pets, property, community, and yourself.

How to prepare for flooding this year

Flood season starts in October and continues through April. The best way to prepare for flooding is to begin planning early. Follow these important steps to prepare:

  1. Find out if you are in a flood prone area. Anywhere it rains, it can flood. Learn about your flood risk at home, work, or school by searching for any King County address at kingcounty.gov/FloodMap.
  2. Buy flood insurance to protect your home and belongings: Flood damage can be extremely expensive and is not typically covered by standard homeowners, renters, and business insurance. Policies typically take 30 days to go into effect, so it’s best to purchase insurance before flood season begins. Go to floodsmart.gov  to learn more about flood insurance and how to find an insurance agent.
  3. Make a plan: Plan your evacuation routes, identify emergency housing options in case of evacuation, and know King County’s emergency phone numbers and when to use them.
  4. Build an emergency kit: Build a disaster supply kit with items like flashlights, non-perishable food and drinking water, fresh batteries, a portable radio, essential medicines, and a first-aid kit.
  5. Move hazardous chemicals: Properly store or dispose of any hazardous materials you may have at home or at work.
  6. Keep street drains and storm grates free of debris. If you see a flooded drain or street, report it as soon as possible. Go to “Report a Problem” at kingcounty.gov/Stormwater to find out who to contact.

Find more resources on flood preparation and review the King County Flood Control District’s Be Flood Ready brochure for additional information.

How to stay safe during and after a flood

Floodwaters are powerful and dangerous. Even just a few inches of floodwater can cause significant damage, threaten safety, and create dangerous driving conditions. Follow these steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe:

  • Turn around, don’t drown! Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Check road conditions and take an alternate route if needed.
  • Bridge safety. Stay off bridges that are over fast-moving water. 
  • Plan ahead. Be prepared to stay put or evacuate the area quickly. 
  • Assess risk & avoid injury. Debris, contaminated water, carbon monoxide poisoning, power outages, and damaged buildings can be dangerous. Know how to avoid injury during a flood event or while cleaning up after. 
Man in safety gear walks along flooded river.
King County Flood Patrol staff monitors flood conditions on Green River.

Resources to stay informed

The King County Flood Control District, together with King County as service provider, offer several resources and tools to stay informed about potential flooding in your area.

  • Flood Warning Center: Flood Warning Center operators are available 24/7 during flood events to answer questions and provide up-to-date information on flood conditions. Call 206-296-8200 or toll free at 800-945-9263.
  • King County Flood Warning App: The King County Flood Warning App provides the latest information on river conditions and forecasts for seven rivers and Issaquah Creek. You can install the app on your computer or mobile device.
  • King County Flood Alerts: Get free Flood Alerts delivered directly to you via email, text message, or phone call. Get the latest information on specific rivers and flood phases that are of interest to you. Sign up for Flood Alerts.
  • ALERT King County: ALERT King County is a regional emergency alert and notification service. This service helps you stay informed about a broad range of potential hazards and threats in your area. Subscribe to ALERT King County.

What’s new this year?

The King County Flood Control District and King County, as service provider, continue to repair areas that were affected by the December 2025 flooding. During and immediately after the flooding event, crews completed 16 emergency repairs. Over the summer, teams began work on an additional 10 repair projects. We continue to work quickly to prepare for flood season this fall.  

This year, King County also updated White River flood phase thresholds to better reflect expected flooding impacts. The County lowered Phase 3 and 4 by 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Flood Phase 3 (moderate flooding expected) is now 6,000 cfs and Flood Phase 4 (severe flooding expected) is now 8,000 cfs.

Additional contact information

Do you have questions about your flood risk, how to sign up for flood alerts, or where to find information about flood insurance?  Send an email to WLRCustomerService@kingcounty.gov or call the King County River and Floodplain Management Section at 206-477-4812.