Natural disasters

Severe weather and floods

Know if you live or work in an area prone to floods and be prepared when water levels rise by visiting King County’s Flood Warning System.

• Monitor weather reports to assess flood activity and determine if your vehicle needs to be moved to a safe alternate location or if the group should make other travel plans. 

• Do not operate the vehicle in standing water and around barricaded road signs.

• Skidding or hydroplaning indicates your speed is too fast for the road conditions. Slow down. 

• Be cautious of debris on the roadway; do not drive past downed power lines or trees.

• Slow down and stay a safe distance away from other vehicles as strong gusts may blow others into adjacent lanes.

• Consider alternate plans for your commute if winds and rainfall are severe enough to prevent safe driving.

Earthquakes

The Pacific Northwest is prone to earthquakes. Staying prepared for earthquakes and resulting safety and commuting effects is good practice.

It may not be safe or practical to continue driving your vehicle. As always, your best course of action is to ensure your safety and that of your fellow riders.

During an earthquake:

• If you are driving—stay calm and pull over in a safe spot to wait out the shaking. 

• Avoid pulling over or parking next to potentially vulnerable structures, buildings, or facilities. 

• Remain alert for tsunami warnings.

After an earthquake: Be prepared for altered road and driving conditions. For example, watch out for damaged infrastructure such as roadways and bridges, downed power lines, and traffic signals out. When signals are out, treat all stops as 4-way stops. 

Wildfires

Wildfires are increasingly common in our area, and smoke from nearby fires can affect visibility and air quality. Follow these guidelines when nearby wildfires may affect your commute:

• Be cautious: Visibility can quickly deteriorate in thick smoke. 

• Drive slowly and steadily: Keep your vents closed and headlights on.

• Pay attention to road closures and debris on the roadway.

• Learn more about wildfire smoke preparedness.