Major flood warning for Snoqualmie River at the Falls and Carnation

CARNATION, Wash. -- There's a major flood warning in effect for some areas of the Snoqualmie River after heavy rains overnight.

This means widespread flooding is possible across large portions of the Snoqualmie Valley, according to the King County Flood Warning Center.

Some areas flooded quickly Tuesday morning, with several roads closed and at least a couple of cars under water.

The National Weather Service reports that the Snoqualmie River has a chance to get into the top 10 flows of all time at Snoqualmie Falls. The current forecast is for a crest of just under 50,000 cubic feet per second, which would be the 11th highest flow.

At these flows, some areas of the Snoqualmie Valley could experience floodwaters with dangerous high velocities. Road closures are possible. The quick-flowing river is also carrying a lot of debris.

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The Tolt River, meanwhile, remains at a Phase 3 flood alert level. Road closures along the Tolt are also possible near Carnation.

Four-six inches of rain fell overnight in the Olympics and the Cascades.

 

The biggest flooding concerns remain in the Cascade foothills on the Tolt, upper Snoqualmie, and Skykomish Rivers. These three rivers will likely be above flood stage until Wednesday morning. Some flooding of low lying agricultural lands and even some residential areas near Sultan and Carnation is expected. Some area roads are covered.

Be sure to obey posted warnings about closed roads because all it takes is a few inches of water for you to lose control of your car-- and only a bit deeper for your car to float away.

Minor flooding is expected on the upper Stillaguamish -- both the north and south forks, Skokomish, and Nooksack Rivers. These rivers will cover some roadways, but are expected to crest this morning and be below flood stage by this afternoon. Flood Watches continue until tonight for the counties in green: Whatcom, Snohomish, King, and Mason Counties.