Frequently Asked Questions

Minor to moderate flooding is predicted over the next few days, but the immediate danger has passed. The City contains areas that are prone to flooding. Patterns are unpredictable, however, City staff monitors river gauges and water predictions through the NOAA National Water Prediction Service. 

Yes, City staff test Monroe’s drinking water daily, year-round.  There have been no flood related impacts to the City drinking water system.    

There were no significant roadway or bridge impacts within the City of Monroe.

Flooding impacts to City facilities were limited. Sky River Park and Al Borlin Park were affected and closed due to high water levels. Other City facilities, including Monroe City Hall and the Monroe Police Station, were not impacted by flood waters and remained operational.

Police, fire, and emergency medical services remained operational throughout the flooding event. The Monroe Police Department assisted Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue by deploying the department’s MATV rescue vehicle, which is capable of traveling through roadways compromised by high water. Demand for swift water rescue resources increased during the event. The City of Monroe is served by Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue, which actively communicated its response efforts through its established channels. The City’s Emergency Operations Center facilitated coordination calls with partner agencies, including EvergreenHealth Monroe, to keep them informed of flood conditions and response activities. Monroe Police Department personnel also conducted ongoing, real-time assessments of flood impacts both overnight and during daytime hours.

Yes, the systems are operating normally. There were no flood related impacts the City utility systems 

An online survey is now available to help residents report damage. Those affected should take lots of photographs, prepare a list of damages, and save all receipts from repair and clean-up. A damage assessment should show what was damaged, as well as when, where, and how damage occurred. These assessments start the process for disaster recovery programs, and the county’s Department of Emergency Management will collect this information over the coming weeks. 

On December 12, 2025, the President approved an Emergency Declaration, authorizing FEMA to coordinate immediate disaster response to save lives and protect property. This includes mobilizing personnel and equipment, such as more than 250 National Guard members, and provides 75% federal funding for emergency protective measures and limited public infrastructure assistance. It supports short-term emergency actions and some public assistance for infrastructure. It does not provide funding for individual assistance or long-term recovery. The Governor is preparing a request for a Major Disaster Declaration, which would unlock broader federal funding for individuals and local governments, including housing, rebuilding, and long-term recovery assistance. The timeline is uncertain. Approval of a Major Disaster Declaration and related funding could take several months. The state has allocated $3.5 million in emergency funds to help residents with immediate needs such as groceries and temporary lodging while awaiting federal approval. Activated by the Governor, DCAP provides one-time cash assistance for individuals and households not eligible for other programs (up to $1,662 for larger households). Application period: December 17, 2025 – January 15, 2026. How to apply: Call the DSHS Customer Service Center at 877-501-2233 or visit a local Community Services Office. (Washington State DSHS). Snohomish County is offering free disposal of flood-damaged household items through January 18, 2026. Vouchers will be available at upcoming local events, including Evergreen State Fair Park (Monroe) on Friday, December 19, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Residents who lost food purchased with benefits (such as SNAP) due to flooding or power outages may request replacement food benefits. Requests must be made within 10 days of the food loss. Residents are encouraged to report flood damage and complete the Snohomish County flood damage survey to support recovery planning and potential federal assistance. You can report damage and find resources at the county’s official reporting site: Report damage and access resources – Snohomish County Official Site.

Follow Snohomish County's flooding page for the most up to date information regarding aid programs.

Take lots of photographs, prepare a list of damages, and save all receipts from repair and clean-up. 

Yes, our human services partners have assembled a list of resources that can help in accessing food, housing, crisis support, and other assistance.

The City Council approved a temporary waiver of certain building permit fees for the “like-for-like” repair and replacement of structures damaged by the Dec. 2025 flood event. Contact Monroe’s Permit Center at 360-863-4501 or building@monroewa.gov to learn if your repair qualifies. Applications under this waiver program need to be submitted by Mon. Feb. 17, 2026.

If the situation requires an emergency response, call 911. If it is not an emergency, residents can contact the City through Monroe Listens on the City website, or via phone at  360-794-7400 to request assistance with sewer services or stormwater related concerns.  

There were no significant roadway impacts within the City of Monroe. The City temporarily closed the access road to Sky River Park and Al Borlin Park due to flooding. Outside the city, Ben Howard Road and SR 203 experienced closures during the peak of the flooding. All affected roads have since reopened.

Residents can contact the City through Monroe Listens on the City website, or via phone at 360-794-7400 to request assistance with sewer services or stormwater related concerns.  

The City closely monitored flood conditions throughout the event. City staff conducted in-person notifications to residents at the Monroe Motel and the Terrace Street Apartments, where impacts were anticipated. The City also published regular storm updates on its website and social media channels, identifying areas that could potentially be affected. Based on input from hydrologists and surface water management experts, City staff determined there was no imminent threat to other areas of the city. As a result, a citywide Rave alert was not issued.

The city communicates with residents using social media, RAVE Alert, and, if feasible, communicates through door-to-door notices.

Flooding impacts within the City of Monroe were localized. The most affected areas included the Terrace Street Apartments area near the Skykomish River and the Monroe Motel area adjacent to Woods Creek. Access roads to Sky River Park and Al Borlin Park were also closed due to high water levels. 

The exact number of Monroe residents affected is currently unknown. Some residents chose to remain in their homes after flood notices were issued. Most individuals seeking shelter are from outside the City limits. As of December 15, 2025, the Red Cross shelter at the Evergreen State Fair Park reported 60 people staying there, the highest number reported to date.

There were no flood related impacts the City utility systems.  The wastewater plant is operating normally.  

The City activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate response efforts. Monroe Police officers conducted regular inspections of known flood-risk areas during both daytime and overnight periods. City officials provided direct notification to the Monroe Motel, adjacent to Woods Creek, and the Terrace Street Apartments near Sky River Park regarding flood risks. Limited evacuations occurred at the Terrace Street Apartments, where water reached approximately four feet. Flooding impacted the rear portion and all guest rooms at the Monroe Motel, with approximately one foot of water in the parking lot.  City staff also conducted frequent monitoring of the Skykomish River, French Slough, and the Snohomish River/Monroe area to assess conditions and guide response actions.

Al Borlin Park and Sky River Park have both been closed, including their trail systems. These parks will remain closed until it is safe to reopen them.

Except for Al Borlin Park and Sky River Park, all other City parks are open to the public and safe for use. Once the flood waters recede from Al Borlin Park and Sky River Park, City staff will inspect and evaluate conditions and only open those parks when it is safe to do so.

Power is provided in Monroe by Snohomish County PUD. The PUD outage map can be found here.

Contact your insurance company for specific instructions on submitting flood claims.

The best way for us to respond to a question that is not of an urgent nature is to submit it through our customer service portal "Monroe Listens." Your question will be assigned to the appropriate staff person for a response.

No, the City does not.