Contact Information

  • Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Governor urges Washingtonians to prepare for record heat and flooding

For Immediate Release: May 16, 2008

State Web sites help citizens with avalanche and flood information

OLYMPIA � As Washingtonians head out for a long-awaited weekend of summer-like weather, Gov. Chris Gregoire urges Washingtonians to keep updated on the rapidly warming weather, mountain avalanche dangers and rising streams and rivers.

�Many parts of Washington will experience record heat through Sunday,� Gregoire said. �The heat is contributing to a rapid snowmelt and subsequent flooding in some locations. I urge all Washingtonian to take the proper safety measures, listen to local media and heed emergency instructions.�

Information on how the rapid warming will affect the mountain snowpacks and rising stream flows is available on the state Department of Transportation and Emergency Management Division Web sites.

�This is a wonderful weekend to be outside, and we have a lot of good information available online so citizens can factor avalanche-prone slopes and rising streamflows into their travel and outdoor recreation plans,� she said.

For weather forecasts and other information:

Department of Transportation

Washington State Emergency Management Division

News about highways:

Avalanche and Flood Threat

North Cascades Highway Closure