June 10, 2026 deadline to apply for FEMA assistance from flooding damage

Areas near rivers experienced the most damage
Photo courtesy King County

If you experienced any damage during the December 2025 flooding, the deadline to apply for federal assistance is June 10, 2026. 

You can apply for FEMA assistance by going to www.disasterassistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362, or downloading the FEMA app. 

You can apply for Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans at here or calling 800-659-2955. 

Even if you are not sure you qualify for either, apply anyway. For in-person assistance, see locations and hours at King County emergency.

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Shoreline Fire PIO returns from deployment to Skagit County flood response

Shoreline Fire PIO Michelle Pidduck (left) and Bothell Fire PIO Erin Gowenlock

Welcome home to Shoreline Fire PIO Michelle Pidduck and Bothell Fire PIO Erin Gowenlock!

They’ve been deployed to Skagit County over the past week supporting flood response efforts, working in the Joint Information Center (JIC) alongside public information officers from Skagit County and across the region to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent information reached the public.

During large-scale incidents, coordinated communication is critical. By supporting the JIC, our PIOs help keep communities informed, promote safety, and allow on-scene responders to focus on life-saving operations.

"We’re proud to support our regional partners and stand ready to assist when our neighbors need help."

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Washington residents encouraged to support Western Washington flood relief

Flooding in King County
Photo courtesy King County

OLYMPIA – Secretary of State Steve Hobbs is encouraging Washington residents, public employees, and state retirees to help residents of Western Washington affected by flooding from this week’s atmospheric river.

Secretary Hobbs authorized the activation of the Disaster Relief Center (DRC), a special function of the Office of the Secretary of State’s Combined Fund Drive (CFD), and initiation of a special fundraising campaign to benefit response and recovery efforts, Dec. 11, 2025.

“Whenever disaster strikes, Washington’s residents and state employees have always stepped up to offer support when needed most. This time, it is for our own neighbors and communities,” Hobbs said.

“The Combined Fund Drive is always an option for those to support fellow Washingtonians in their time of need, in a reliable and secure way.”

The DRC directs interested donors to verified and registered crisis-relief charities during periods of natural or humanitarian disasters that exceed a region’s capacity to provide help. The DRC does not endorse any specific charity but rather shares relevant and accurate information about the organizations to help inform donation decisions.

Historic amounts of precipitation from a level 4 atmospheric river have pushed rivers to major, near-record flood stages, causing communities in Western Washington to experience widespread flooding, dangerous travel conditions, and damage to homes, property, and infrastructure around the region. 

Governor Bob Ferguson issued an emergency declaration and activated the Washington National Guard on December 10, 2025 as conditions worsened.

State employees and retirees can make a one-time donation or set up a monthly payroll deduction through the Combined Fund Drive and use the charity code to designate the donation toward one of our member charities assisting in the affected area. For more information on specific charities involved or to set up a payroll contribution, go to this link.

Members of the public and non-state employees can use a secure link to make an online donation: link for public donations.

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Sandbags and flooding

As part of NEMCo training, volunteers got familiar with the equipment used to fill, move and place a sandbag. Photo courtesy NEMCo

Need a Sandbag?

By Patrick Ducey

The City of Shoreline has a sandbag program. It's a free you-fill sandbag station in Hamlin Park. As you enter the Park from 15th NE, It is located in the back of the first parking lot on the left.

As the season changes, and the rains come, sometimes you can find yourself having a surface water issue. 

The City of Shoreline Customer Response Team is a great resource to help with surface water issues, and sometimes you can take action yourself with a few sandbags to save yourself some grief.

If you are traveling in the snow, or you live on a hill that gets bad when it snows, a little sand can give you some traction to make your travel a little safer. You might have a car that needs a little weight to get better traction. You can get a free sandbag in Hamlin Park.

NEMCo, the Northshore Emergency Management Coalition, recently held training on sandbags and local flooding hazards. 

Did you know that most people who die in floods were in their car? Standing water on the road can be dangerous, and flowing water on a road even more so. 

While our local cities work to improve drainage and make roads safer to travel, remember that there can still be local flooding issues that are dangerous to drive through.

If you have questions about local hazards or other Emergency Management related topics, NEMCo meets at 7pm in the Public Meeting Room on the second Tuesday of the month at Fire Station 51 in Kenmore. 7220 NE 181st St, Kenmore, WA 98028

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City of Shoreline: Help clear storm drains and watch for heavy snow on branches

Snow weighted branches bend low to the ground
Photo by Diane Hettrick

From the City of Shoreline

Snow Removal

Shoreline crews have been working 12-hour shifts plowing primary routes as snow has continued to fall. As snow transitions to rain, they will finish clearing primary and secondary routes and begin to move into neighborhoods. Plowing heavy, wet snow takes time. We appreciate everyone's patience as crews continue to clear roads.

Please continue to stay off the roads, if you can, to give crews a chance to clear them.

• primary snow removal routes
• secondary snow removal routes

For more information: Snow and Ice Control Plan.

Storm drains and localized flooding

As temperatures increase and we transition from snow to rain, street drains and culverts can plug as chunks of snow and slush move towards the drainage inlets. 

If this occurs there may be localized flooding as the water ponds or bypasses plugged drains. City maintenance crews will be clearing drainage inlets and culverts but may not be able to catch them all in advance of a problem. 

You can help prevent problems in your area - if you see snow plugging a drain or culvert consider clearing it and putting the snow uphill of the drain where it can melt without causing problems.

Locate storm drains near your house

A similar situation can arise on roofs with snow that may plug roof drains or scuppers as it melts. If possible, monitor your roof and maintain the roof drains. Some structures, such as out buildings and carports, are at a higher risk of collapse under wet snow, so please use caution.

Heavy snow on tree branches

Heavy, wet snow can increase the potential for downed limbs and power outages. DO NOT try to clear branches from lines or go near any downed power lines. Call Seattle City Light at 206-684-3000 or 206- 684-7400 to report downed lines or call 911 to address any situation where a downed line might cause a dangerous situation.

What to do when the power goes out

Advice from Seattle City Light

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Shoreline responded to 35 flooding incidents during storm

15430 Linden Ave N
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Monday's storm event brought over two inches of rainfall. The City of Shoreline storm response field crew responded to at least 35 flooding incidents throughout Shoreline, providing sandbags to residents, pumping out floods where feasible, and clearing debris.

NW Springdale Place at 14th NW in Innis Arden
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Rainfall and flooding data from large storms like yesterday's are used to better predict susceptible areas and optimize storm response. 

The City requests that you always report flooding, spills, and illegal dumping to Shoreline City Hall at 206-801-2700. It's a 24/7 number so feel comfortable leaving a detailed message, including information on how to contact you if they have follow up questions.

Do what you are able to keep storm drains free of leaves and debris.

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Do-it-yourself sandbags at Hamlin Park available 24/7

The City would like to know about standing water. This is an
old photo and a drain was installed, but it gets clogged.
Photo by Diane Hettrick

City of Shoreline

As the rain continues today, ground saturation levels are high. We've received multiple reports of standing water and are responding as quickly as possible.

Please use extreme caution when driving and be alert for standing water and/or hazards in the roadway. Please use an alternate route if you see significant standing water.

If you see a drain that is clogged with leaves and feel safe in clearing it, please do. 

To report a standing water/flooding situation, 

• call 206-801-2700 (ok to leave a message)
• report online through the SeeClickFix app
• Shoreline website at shorelinewa.gov/servicerequest.

Sandbags

We have a free, self-fill sandbag station for residents available at Hamlin Park in the first parking lot on the left as you enter from 15th Ave NE. 

It is available 24 hours a day. Empty bags are in the trash can next to the sand pile. Please take only what you need.

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Power's out - some flooding - and it's snowing

City Light power outage 5:15pm 12-21-20

UPDATE AT MIDNIGHT

The power is back on.

The snow covered the ground but stopped.

The amount of water is the problem now, with rain puddles everywhere and saturated ground unable to absorb it. 

Report large puddles

DIY Sandbags are at Hamlin Park

See new story here

Original story:

992 households in Lake Forest Park have lost power. However, City Light expects to have it back up by 6pm.

1 person in northwest Shoreline has lost power.

1630 in Pinehurst in northeast Seattle, south of Jackson Park, will have their power restored by 7pm. A tree was the problem.

Storm drains have been overflowing. If it's much more than usual, call Customer Response if you are in Shoreline. 206-801-2700.

Or get a photo and the street location and we'll find the best place for you to send it to either city.

And it just started snowing.

Update 6pm - 1630 outages in Pinehurst because of a tree

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Clear leaves from storm drains

Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

We are projected to have 1-3" of rain on Monday (see WeatherWatcher report) and the City of Shoreline reminds residents that rain may cause localized flooding.

To help prevent flooding, clear leaves and other debris from storm drains near your home.

For significant localized flooding issues, contact the City's Customer Response Team at 206-801-2700. 

Note that this number may be unavailable at times during the day (see previous article).

Don't hesitate to leave a message. The number is checked frequently 24/7.

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Sink hole on 3700 block NE 178th Street

On Friday, November 23rd due to high water flows in McAleer Creek, the roadway subsurface in the 3700 block of NE 178th Street washed away around a culvert pipe creating a sink hole. LFP City Engineer Neil Jensen is assessing the damage and is arranging for a repair.

In the meantime, Public Works crews have installed a steel traffic plate over the affected area. Asphalt cold patch was used to secure the plates in place and make for a smoother transition for traffic. Traffic signage has been installed to warn motorists of the bump in the road surface.

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Avoid flooding problems by taking precautions

From the City of Shoreline

Drainage and flooding is a major concern for many Shoreline residents. The City manages drainage problems through maintenance and upgrades of the stormwater drainage system. Watershed maps with storm pipe and stream network are available here.

Examples of drainage problems include clogged storm drains and ditches and localized ponding of water in City streets.

Maintenance worker clearing drain
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Identifying a Drainage Problem

Drainage problems can cause significant damage to your home, property and the City of Shoreline storm drain system. It is important to identify and correct drainage problems when they occur. Before starting any drainage improvements on your property, fully identify all parts of your current drainage system. Create a detailed map of your property, showing all impervious surfaces and drainage features. Shoreline’s Public Works Department can provide information on the City’s storm drainage system in your area, which you could use to determine how your current system is connected to the City’s system and for the installation of additional components.

Shoreline residents in need of assistance contact the City at 206-801-2700.

Tips to Prevent Drainage Problems

To reduce the amount of impervious surface area on your property (and decrease the amount of stormwater runoff), consider alternatives when planning new patios, paths or driveways. Paving blocks, porous asphalt or other permeable materials can infiltrate water (see page 11 of the Managing Rainwater Guide). Green Home Remodel Guide Managing Rainwater

Tips to avoid future drainage problems:

• Sweep your driveway instead of using a hose. This saves water and keeps dirt out of your drainage system.
• Avoid the use of wood chip mulch around drain inlets or swales. The wood chips float and can be easily moved by runoff water.
• Use caution when planting trees or shrubs. The roots may grow into underground drainage pipes disrupting your drainage system.
• Install a removable connection between your downspouts and roof drains. Disconnecting downspouts during cleaning will help keep debris out of your drainage system.
• Add screens on gutters to help keep debris out of your drainage system.
• Help to keep catch basin inlets clear by keeping leaves off of the grates.

Drainage on your property

You as a property owner are responsible for the installation and maintenance of necessary drainage structures on your property. If your drainage problems seem too big for you to correct, there is professional help available.

There are many contractors and engineering firms that specialize in drainage problems. They can be found in the yellow pages under Drainage Contractors, and Engineers – Drainage.

The City of Shoreline requires homeowners to obtain building or grading permits before certain drainage projects begin. To find out more information about permit requirements, contact the City’s Planning and Community Development Department at 206-801-2500.

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Broken water main causes flooding in five homes

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Shoreline Firefighters responded to a broken, 12-inch underground water main this morning, just before noon. The break occurred at 28th Avenue NE and NE 160th Street, near Lake Forest Park. Shoreline Water District also responded, and shut off water service to several blocks while repairs are made. Firefighters canvassed the area, and found at least five homes with basement flooding, and many with pooling water in their yards and driveways. No was was injured, and no one was required to leave their home. Traffic to the area was re-routed for several hours, and it is unknown at this time when repairs will be complete.
--Shoreline Fire

According to Shoreline Water District Manager Stu Turner, the pipe was dug up and replaced by 3 pm today.  While repairs were being made, several hundred homes and businesses were without water.

All water service should have been restored.

--Information from The Seattle Times

 

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Storm aftermath - not as bad as it could have been

by Diane Hettrick

I am sensing a tone of relief from our cities and county in the wake of this last storm. Having over three inches of rain in 48 hours, into ground already full of water, could have caused serious problems, but didn't.

King County Executive Dow Constantine pointed out that the damaged homes shown in the media were not those which had been permitted or built in the last ten years.

“Policies to limit construction on steep slopes and protections for flood hazard areas are doing a better job of making our homes and neighborhoods safer and more resistant to damage from severe weather.”

 Shoreline

Ducks enjoy the Cromwell Park storm retention pond.

Photo by Tom Downer.

Shoreline has been working for several years to solve and prevent flooding. Cromwell Park, which was completed this summer, was designed to hold storm water and prevent it from flowing into Ronald Bog. In previous weather events, Ronald Bog overflowed its banks and routinely flooded a section of homes to the south of the Bog. One year it even covered a block of Meridian Avenue.

Ronald Bog overtopped its banks but did not flood Meridian.  

Photo by Janet Way, courtesy Of Paramount Importance blog

This year, while the Bog filled to the brim, it apparently did not flood nearby homes. Incidentally, the City obtained old aerial survey photos of Shoreline and discovered that the homes by Ronald Bog with the flooding problems are built on an area which used to be part of the Bog.

Shoreline Public Works had 22 calls related to flooding.

"While this is not an insignificant number, it is significantly lower than what the City has experienced in the past during a major storm event. A number of areas in the City that historically had severe flooding issues did not have any problems with this storm."

Shoreline did a lot of work ahead of the storm which they feel minimized the damage.

"City crews prepared the week before with street sweeping, catch basin cleaning, and jetting of problem lines. City crews will continue to take preventative steps throughout the winter."

Lake Forest Park

LFP built a sandbag wall to keep Lyon Creek in check.

Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park

Lake Forest Park has a much more serious problem. The Towne Centre sits at the outflow of two watersheds - McAleer/Ballinger and Lyon Creek. McAleer Creek comes from the joining of streams flowing out of north Shoreline and Lake Ballinger. Lyon Creek comes from the watershed to the north, which includes Lynnwood. The two streams are within feet of each other at the Mall. The Sheridan Beach neighborhood is in the path of these streams as they head for Lake Washington.

Flooding in Sheridan Beach.

Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park

Several years back, when flooding was rampant and hillsides were sliding, 40 homes in Sheridan Beach either were flooded, or worse, filled with sewage when the sewer lines filled with storm water and backed up into the houses.

That year, several homeowners told me, it happened so fast they barely had time to react. They went outside to look at the flooding and went back inside to a home full of sewage.

This year, knowing the potential problems, LFP was right on top of it.

"Staff joined the fire department to go house to house in the Sheridan Beach area, informing citizens about the flooding and to check on people. There was one sewer back up and the City responded with a pump to divert flows from one trunk line to another."

Part of Bothell Way was underwater.

Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park

Solving the upstream problems is complex and will be very expensive. The Lake Ballinger Watershed Consortium, which has included representatives from five cities, two counties, state and county officials, has been meeting for several years, working on solutions for flooding and pollution problems in that watershed. There is no consortium for the Lyon Creek Watershed.

Lake Forest Park is applying for Federal grants for flood control for an estimated three million dollars.

In the meantime, here is the link for the LFP sandbag depot and emergency information.

A final word of warning from County Executive Constantine,

“As our population grows and the recession eases, pressure will build once again to allow new business, residential and infrastructure investments in the floodplain,” said the Executive. “We need to keep in mind that we've had 11 Presidentially-declared flood disasters since 1990, and we must continue to site development and infrastructure in a way that will be economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and safe."

Other articles of interest:

Impacts of Big Storm on Shoreline Area by Janet Way, Of Paramount Importance blog

Flooding in Lake Forest Park, City website

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Seattle Humane offers free boarding to pets of flood victims

The Seattle Humane Society is offering free emergency boarding for pets of families who must evacuate their homes due to flooding in King and Snohomish counties. They will shelter, feed and care for your pets until it is safe for you to return home.

Call the boarding department at 425-643-5960 or email  to make an appointment. Animals may be brought to the shelter at 13212 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue 98005, located near the I-405 and I-90 interchange, between 7 am and 6 pm seven days a week.

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LFP flooding - some updates

Good news - the diversion which was designed to route the storm stream away from the Northshore fire station in LFP Towne Centre is working and the fire department is dry. Readers may recall that in the significant weather event of a few years back, a stream appeared and ran right through the middle of the new fire station. Firefighters just opened up the doors on each side of the building, stacked sand bags on each side and let the water run through.  Thanks to Sen. Fairley for getting the money for that project.

I understand that traffic is getting through on Bothell Way, so either the flooding receded or it was short-lived.

Some houses on McAleer Creek had water up to the doorstep.

I was in Towne Centre on Friday and the portion of Lyon Creek in the mall was all the way to the top of its banks. I imagine it's a little higher now.

I don't plan to check in person, so if anyone has a view out their windows, tell us what's happening.

--DKH

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