EVERETT – Heavy rainfall is expected to continue throughout the area Saturday, increasing river levels on the Skykomish, Snohomish and Stillaguamish rivers.

Should rainfalls continue as forecasted, Snohomish County’s Department of Emergency Management expects rivers to begin hitting various flood stages early Sunday morning. Residents living along these rivers should take adequate precautions. Farm owners should move animals to higher ground.

No evacuations have been requested or ordered. DEM will continue monitoring rainfall and river levels throughout the day and overnight.

Below is forecasted information on specific rivers:

Skykomish River at Gold Bar enters flood stage at 6 a.m. Sunday, cresting at 4 p.m. at nearly 18 feet;

Snohomish River at Monroe enters flood stage at 1 p.m. Sunday, cresting at 4 a.m. Monday at 19 feet;

Snohomish River at Snohomish enters flood stage near 3 p.m. Sunday, cresting at 1 p.m. near 25 feet;

South Fork of the Stillaguamish River at Granite Falls enters flood stage near 11 a.m. Sunday, cresting near 4 p.m at nearly 17 feet;

North Fork of the Stillaguamish River at Arlington enters flood stage at noon Sunday, cresting at 10 p.m. at just above 14 feet.

Stillaguamish River at Arlington enters flood stage at 8 a.m. Sunday, cresting at 4 p.m. at nearly 19 feet.

Creeks, streams and tributary rivers such as the Pilchuck also are at risk of flooding.

Most rivers will drop below flood stages by Monday evening, except for the Snohomish River at Snohomish, which could remain above flood stage until Tuesday evening or early Wednesday.

DEM’s Call Center will be open Sunday morning. Residents are urged to call 425-388-5060 if they have questions or need to report damages.

Relevant flood information can be found at www.snoco.org and clicking “Flood Emergency Information.”

Should flooding occur, residents should stay away from rising waters and not drive through areas of flowing or standing water or around road closure barriers. Urban flooding also could leave standing water on roads during Monday morning’s commute. Residents should be careful on roads.

Road flooding should be reported to the municipality where it occurs. Flooding on Snohomish County roads can be reported to the county’s Public Works Department at 425-388-7500 or contact.pwrm@snoco.org.

Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management Flood Tips

Before a flood

• Find out if you live in a flood-prone area and identify where dams are in your area.

• Ask your local emergency manager about official flood warning signals.

• Know the terms Flood Watch, Flash Flood Watch, Flood Warning, Flash Flood Warning and Urban and Small Stream Warning.

• Plan for evacuation.

• Consider purchasing flood insurance.

• Take steps to flood proof your home. Call your local building department or emergency management office for information.

• Keep all insurance policies and your household inventory in a safe place.

During

• Listen to radio or television stations for local information.

• Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood suddenly.

• Prepare to evacuate when local authorities issue a flood watch.

• Secure your home. If time permits, also secure items located outside the house.

• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed.

• Fill your car with fuel.

• Fill the bathtub with water in case the water supply becomes contaminated or services are cut off. Sterilize the bathtub first.

• Permit the flood waters to flow freely into your basement to avoid structural damage to the foundation and the house when deep flooding is likely.

After

• Stay away from flood waters. Do not drive through standing water.

• Stay away from moving water. Six inches can easily sweep you off your feet.

• Be aware of where waters have receded and may have weakened road surfaces.

• Stay away from and report downed power lines.

• Stay away from disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers.

• Continue listening to the radio for information about where to get assistance.

• Consider health and safety needs. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with flood waters.

• Throw away food that has come in contact with flood waters.

• Call your insurance agent.

• Keep records of all cleanup and repair costs.

• Take photos of or videotape your belongings and your home.

• Don’t throw away damaged goods until an official inventory has been taken.

For more information, call Snohomish County’s Department of Emergency Management, 425-388-5060.