Green River Levee Failure Triggers Flash Flood Warning in King County

A flash flood warning has been issued for west-central King County following a levee failure along the Green River. Residents are urged to evacuate to higher ground immediately as conditions become increasingly dangerous.

Details of the Green River Levee Failure

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Seattle confirmed the failure of the Desimone Levee situated along Todd Boulevard in Tukwila. This incident was reported at 11:51 a.m., leading to significant concerns for the surrounding areas.

Official Warnings and Evacuations

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson emphasized the urgency of evacuations. He advised, “Leave immediately if you are in this area. Conditions are dangerous and access routes may be lost at any time.” Residents should avoid driving or walking through any standing or moving water, adhering to the mantra: “Turn around, don’t drown.”

In particular, those living and working east of the Green River, including areas in Tukwila, Renton, and Kent, are under a “go now” evacuation order. King County Emergency Management Director Brendan McCluskey confirmed that water is flowing out of the river, resulting in rising floodwaters.

Risk Factors and Affected Population

• Areas at risk include Tukwila, Renton, and Kent.
• Approximately 46,557 individuals, along with two schools and one hospital, could be impacted by the flash flooding.
• Over 1,100 residents have been notified to seek higher ground immediately.

King County has a history of levee failures, with three significant incidents occurring in the last century, the most recent one in 1997 in Shoreline. Alarmingly, seven fatalities have been linked to these disasters.

Support and Resources

The Washington National Guard has been deployed to assist in King County. Despite the severity of the situation, the Renton School District reported that it is not evacuating, nor are nearby hospitals. The flash flood warning is set to last until 9 p.m. on the specified day, with water likely moving north toward I-405.

Available Shelters

Residents seeking refuge can find shelter at the following locations:

• Auburn Community and Event Center: 910 9th Street S.E., Auburn
• Ray of Hope Shelter: 2806 Auburn Way N., Auburn
• Evergreen State Fairgrounds: 14405 179th Ave. S.E., Monroe

This is an evolving situation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prioritize their safety.