Crews prepare rescue boats ahead of possible flooding in western WA

DUVALL, Wash. - Significant flooding could hit several areas of Western Washington by mid-week.

Battalion Chief for Eastside Fire & Rescue in Duvall, Justin Walker, says crews have been preparing for this weather event and are ready to respond.

The rain came down hard Monday night, causing standing water on roadways and making it tough for motorists to see as night fell. It's also filling local rivers to the brim.

The Snoqualmie River and Tolt River near Carnation were under a flood watch as of Monday night.

The Tolt River was forecast for moderate flooding on Monday, and the Snoqualmie River is expected to see major flooding, with the potential to crest at nearly 60 feet near Carnation on Tuesday. 

"We are expecting the peak to hit tomorrow around 10 a.m. and go through until 4 in the afternoon. We are going to get a lull on Wednesday, and we should get another peak Thursday," said Justin Walker.

Eastside Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief Justin Walker says they will staff a stand-alone rescue boat with technicians and operators to respond to water emergencies. 

"We have this boat stationed here in Duvall," said Walker. "This is a device to clear the intake of the jets."

The boat also has kayaks on board.

"It just gives us another resource to reach victims," said Walker.

Eastside Fire & Rescue has another boat stationed in Carnation and a partner agency has another in Fall City. They are also partnering with Redmond Fire.

"We are going to staff a medic unit in the valley in case we are cut off and we have ALS services to respond quicker," said Walker.

Falling trees will also be a concern with strong wind in the forecast. Eastside Fire & Rescue crews tried saving a person who was hit and killed by a falling tree on Saturday. Another person was also injured. 

Though rescue gear is ready to go, Walker asks you to stay away from floodwater for your own safety.      

"If you see water moving over a roadway, they say 6 inches can sweep a person walking, 12 inches can take a car, and even some smaller SUVs and light trucks, so it’s not worth it," said Walker.  

Flooding Safety Tips

• Turn around, don't drown!
• Never drive through floodwaters — A few inches of water can move a vehicle 
• Never drive around barricades
• Never play in the water due to pollution & debris 
• If you need help cleaning a storm drain, call Public Works.

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