Severe Weather

In Washington State and nationwide, severe weather happens year-round. For Monroe, flooding and winter storms are common severe weather events which often cause power outages, road closures and many other hazards. It will be important to pay attention to weather reports and listen for emergency information and alerts so that you can take proper action to stay safe. 

Weather terminology

As part of your preparedness and response to severe weather events, it’s helpful to understand terminology used by weather and media agencies. The National Weather Service defines the following:

  • Warning: A warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely. A warning means weather conditions pose a threat to life or property. People in the path of the storm need to take protective action.
  • Advisory: An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely. Advisories are for less serious conditions than warnings, that cause significant inconvenience and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life or property
  • Watch: A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set their plans in motion can do so. A watch means that hazardous weather is possible. People should have a plan of action in case a storm threatens, and they should listen for later information and possible warnings especially when planning travel or outdoor activities.

Contact Us

To report an emergency, call 9-1-1.

To contact the Emergency Management Office, call 360-863-4800 or email us. 

Quick Links

Travel during severe weather

Emergency and disaster response and transportation agencies may encourage, or even require, that you stay off roads due to extremely hazardous conditions. Please heed their warnings and obey traffic control should it be necessary that you travel. ready-gov_car-kit_square

As part of your emergency supplies kit for your vehicle, you should include:

  • Jumper cables
  • Flares or reflective triangle
  • Ice scraper
  • Car cell phone charger
  • Cat litter or sand for better tire traction in snow and ice

Power Outage

Power outages often occur due to strong winds and heavy snow and happen during an earthquake. Snohomish PUD provides electricity and Puget Sound Energy (PSE) provides natural gas to homes and businesses in Monroe. 

Safety tips from Snohomish PUD

Visit the Emergency Resources page for ways to prepare for and manage a power outage and how to respond should you detect a gas leak.

Winter Weather

With Monroe located at the base of the Cascade Mountains, it’s not uncommon for extremely cold weather, snow and ice to find it’s way to the city. Extreme winter weather can last a few hours or days, cut off heat, power, and communications, and put older and ailing people at risk. Prepare your home, vehicle(s), and yard for extreme winter weather. 

Severe cold can freeze the water in your pipes, causing them to burst. Be cautious with alternative ways of heating your home. If freezing temperatures are in the forecast, take the following steps:

  • Drip warm water from the indoor faucet farthest from where water enters the house.
  • Insulate outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages and crawl spaces.
  • If a water pipe breaks, immediately turn off the main water shut-off valve and/or water meter to control flooding and water damage. Then call a plumber.
  • Use alternative heat sources safely and wisely.
  • When snow falls, shovel your sidewalk and driveway. If you have neighbors who have difficulty shoveling snow, consider cleaning theirs too. 
  • Businesses and building managers should shovel sidewalks outside their locations so customers and employees can get around.

The City’s conducts snow and ice removal on a road priority system, clearing arterials to essential facilities (e.g. fire station, hospital, schools) first and then moving onto secondary roadways, once priority roadways are cleared. 

Visit the Emergency Resources page for ways to prepare for winter weather.

Heavy Rains and Flooding

According to FEMA, floods are the most common disaster in the United States and result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges and overflows of dams and other water systems. Floods cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings and create landslides. Monroe experiences flooding from the Skykomish River and Woods Creek, which often prompts the closure of Al Borlin Park and Sky River Park. Flooding has also occurred from the Snohomish River which affects Lake Tye Park.ready_turn-around-dont-drown_rectangular

FEMA safety tips:

  • Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response. 
  • Gather supplies in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets.
  • Obtain extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment. 
  • Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies. 
  • Protect your property. Move valued items to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery 
  • Obtain flood insurance. Standard homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. Get flood coverage under FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program. 

Monroe’s Environmental Services Division manages flooding and reduce flood hazards through code adoption, participation in FEMA’s Community Rating System, mapping floodplain hazard areas and more. 

Windstorm

Windstorms are no stranger to Washington State; some have even broken speed records. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), high winds can occur during a severe thunderstorm, with a strong weather system, or can flow down a mountain.

Safety tips from the NWS

  • Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
  • Secure loose gutters and shutters.
  • Identify an interior room of your house, such as a basement or interior bathroom, that you can take shelter in during high wind warnings.