205 W 5th Ave Ellensburg, WA 98926-2887
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Kittitas (pronounced 'KITT-i-tass') County is located in central Washington State. It spans from the lush forested Cascade Mountains to the upper Yakima River Valley plains and the Columbia River.
Kittitas County, WA - 11/07/2014 - The Board of County Commissioners and Kittitas County Flood Control Zone District have declared November to be Flood Awareness Month and urge all county residents to be prepared for the upcoming flood season.
Flood season and winter are on their way, and the forecast is trending towards El Niño, which occurs when ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific are warmer than average. La Niña occurs when ocean temperatures are colder than average. In the Pacific Northwest, El Niño brings warmer than average winter temperatures and reduced precipitation. However, some of the county’s worst floods have come during El Niño years and it is important to be prepared for flooding no matter the long-range forecast. November 9-15 is also Winter Weather Awareness Week in the Pacific Northwest. Each day, the National Weather Service (NWS) will release information related to winter weather, which can be found on their website at http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pdt/. This year, the county is urging residents to be aware of potential flood and weather conditions. The NWS releases weather alerts to provide you with advanced notification of potential flooding. Flood watches are released when flooding is possible, and you should remain alert and prepare for the potential need to evacuate. Flood warnings are released when a flood is reported or is imminent. During a warning you must act quickly to safely evacuate if you are in the danger area. These weather alerts are released through the internet, the media, and NOAA Weather Radio. There are many other ways to remain alert to potential flooding, such as observing the NWS river level forecasts. There are links to many helpful websites on the County’s Flood Warning System webpage at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us/public-works/flood/warning.aspx. All county and city residents should take steps to protect their property from flood impacts, even if they don’t live within a regulated floodplain. Because of the county’s vast network of streams and ditches, flooding can unexpectedly occur almost anywhere. The following steps can be taken to prevent or reduce impacts from flooding.
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us
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Contact: Christina Wollmanchristina.wollman@co.kittitas.waus509-962-7523