Seattle may be known for rain, but when it comes to summer flooding, many homeowners let their guard down. July in the Puget Sound area often brings dry, sunny weather—until a sudden storm system dumps heavy rain in just a few hours. For residents of Tacoma, Spanaway, Puyallup, and University Place, these flash flood events are becoming more common, especially with aging drainage systems and increasing urban runoff.
While fall and winter get most of the attention for flood preparedness, the risks of summer flooding are real and rising. And because homes aren’t always ready for it, the damage can be even more costly.
Let’s explore how summer storms affect Seattle-area homes, where the risks lie, and what you can do today to stay dry before the next cloudburst.
Why Summer Flash Floods Are More Dangerous
Summer storms often come fast and unexpectedly. These events don’t allow much time to prepare—and the water has nowhere to go:
- Dry soil can’t absorb water quickly, so runoff builds rapidly
- Storm drains clogged with debris or yard waste create backups
- Flat rooflines or older gutters in Tacoma homes can overflow quickly
- Basements and crawl spaces flood within minutes in low-lying areas
Unlike the steady rain of winter, summer floods often result from isolated thunderstorms. They pass through fast—but leave serious water damage behind, especially in neighborhoods built on a slope or near creeks and culverts.
Who’s Most at Risk in the Seattle Region?
Flash flooding isn’t limited to riverside homes. Many of the calls we get during July come from areas not usually considered “high-risk.”
Tacoma & Spanaway
Low-lying neighborhoods and older stormwater infrastructure make these areas especially vulnerable. Yard flooding can quickly breach basements or crawl spaces.
Puyallup
Homes near creeks, ditches, or sloped lots face rising water during storms—especially if downspouts aren’t extended properly.
University Place & Lakewood
Areas with clay-rich soil see slower absorption, increasing surface runoff and putting pressure on foundation drainage systems.
Edgewood
Hilltop neighborhoods often see water rushing downhill toward garages, lower levels, or driveways, especially during afternoon cloudbursts.
Summer Flood Warning Signs Around Your Property
Don’t wait for a flooded basement to realize there’s a problem. Watch for:
- Pooling water near the home’s foundation after rain
- Gurgling sounds in sinks or floor drains
- Watermarks or discoloration in crawl spaces or lower walls
- Cracks in basement concrete or foundation
- Overflowing gutters or downspouts not draining far from the house
Take a walk around your property after a summer storm. If you see evidence of water movement or pooling, your home may be at risk.
How to Prevent Flood Damage in Summer
Just because it’s hot outside doesn’t mean flooding is off the table. These proactive steps can keep your home safe:
- Clean gutters and downspouts monthly during the summer
- Extend downspouts at least 6 feet from the foundation
- Install or check sump pumps in basements or crawl spaces
- Use landscape grading to direct water away from the home
- Inspect your yard drains or French drains before each storm
- Store valuables and electronics off basement floors
It’s also smart to have a flood response plan in place—including access to emergency cleanup help if water enters the home.
What to Do If You Experience Flooding
If a summer storm floods part of your home, fast response is critical. Mold begins growing in as little as 24–48 hours, and water damage to flooring or walls worsens quickly without professional drying.
At 911 Restoration of Seattle, our IICRC-certified teams are on call 24/7 to respond to water damage across Tacoma, Puyallup, and the entire South Sound. We arrive fast with industrial-grade drying equipment and work directly with your insurance to help make things right.
Don’t Wait for Autumn to Prepare
Seattle’s rainy season may peak in the fall, but that doesn’t mean your home is safe during summer. One isolated July storm is all it takes to flood a basement or cause structural damage.
If you live in Tacoma or nearby areas, now is the time to prep your drainage, inspect your crawl space, and have a trusted water damage team on speed dial.
Need help after a flash flood? Contact 911 Restoration of Seattle today for 24/7 emergency service throughout the South Sound.
