It’s October. Halloween decorations are up. Leaves are changing colors. Pumpkin spice lattes are back. And it is time to think about floods.

The state has nailed the timing for its flood awareness month, with a level 1 flash flood threat for parts of southern coastal Washington starting Friday. Unfortunately, this year, October brought a government shutdown that has tied the hands of many seeking flood insurance — making the month a whole lot scarier for those living near the water.

The government shutdown has paused the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program, which provides the vast majority of flood insurance nationwide. Flood insurance is required for closing on homes in flood-prone areas of the country, including many in Washington, already leading to delays in complet

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