Rain, wind cause problems, minor flooding in Auburn

Heavy rain and winds have caused multiple issues in Auburn this morning.

Heavy rain and winds have caused multiple issues in Auburn this morning.

The storm has left numerous areas of standing water over the last 48 hours. Officials warn commuters to avoid driving into standing water and to take extra caution during the morning commute.

The Green River has reached a Phase 3 flood alert level with moderate flooding possible in rural areas upstream of Auburn. The King County Flood Warning Center notes that areas protected by levees in the Green River Valley, including Auburn, Kent, Renton and Tukwila, won’t likely be affected by river flooding.

Visit the King County Flood Warning Center for the latest information on the Green River.

As of 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Green River at Auburn was flowing at 9,420 cubic feet per second (CFS), slightly higher than the 9,000 CFS threshold for a Phase 3 flood alert.

All other rivers and streams in King County continue to rise from heavy rain, including the Snoqualmie River, which remains at a Phase 4 flood alert level and where serious, widespread flooding could occur throughout the night.

High winds have caused multiple power outages in Auburn. Puget Sound Energy has informed us that they responding and encourage customers to:

  • Make sure to have emergency supplies on hand, such as extra batteries, flashlights, and food
  • Have a battery-powered radio ready to go
  • Charge phones and mobile devices in case the power goes out
  • Download the PSE mobile outage app or visit the PSE outage map at www.pse.com/outagemap to get the most up-to-date information on outages and estimated service restoration times

Above all, remember to never touch downed power lines. Call PSE at 888-225-5773 or 911 to report problems.

If you approach an intersection with no power to the traffic signals, remember to treat intersection as a four-way stop.