Beware of standing water on the roadways

The King County Department of Transportation reports heavy rain this afternoon is causing a variety of travel headaches as commuters head home.

The department's Road Services Division says extremely heavy rain has caused local flooding on roads all across the county:

While crews are attempting to respond to as many reports of water over roadways as possible, the sheer volume of calls is proving overwhelming for county forces. Residents can help reduce road and street flooding by removing debris from storm drains if they can do so safely. With high wind expected over the next several hours, this simple step can minimize flooding if the heavy rain continues.

Local street flooding is also slowing some King County Metro Transit buses. The weather, combined with added downtown congestion due to the Seahawks game, has made the commute out of downtown Seattle particularly difficult. Passengers should continue to anticipate transit delays until the storm is over.

Tonight's forecast is for continued high winds that may be strong enough to require closure of the Evergreen Point bridge (State Route 520) by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). It's likely WSDOT will close the bridge by 11 PM or earlier, depending on conditions. Crews are closely monitoring the bridge, weather conditions, and weather forecasts.

If the bridge is closed, affected Metro Transit and Sound Transit routes will make regular stops in downtown Seattle or the University District, and then operate via I-5, I-90, and I-405. Stops at Montlake Freeway Station, Evergreen Point Freeway Station, and Yarrow Point Freeway station are missed, as are stops between SR-520 and Bellevue Transit Center. Other Eastside stops are made as usual, although there are likely to be delays in service.

Other impacts of high winds such as power outages, roadway obstructions, and flooding can also delay or reroute service. Be prepared for such conditions and anticipate delays.

Throughout the storm, both motorists and passengers should monitor weather conditions and news reports, and adjust their travel plans accordingly.

All King County residents planning to travel should be aware of rapidly changing weather conditions and take appropriate precautions.

The forecast for the night, according to NWS and Pacific NW Portal's weather partner AccuWeather, is more rain, more wind, and in the mountains - more snow. Temperatures won't drop too low but the wind chill will make it seem colder than it really is. A high wind warning and a flood watch are in effect.