TUKWILA, Wash. — A levee failure along the Green River has put tens of thousands of people at risk of dangerous flash flooding, prompting urgent evacuation orders across parts of King County on Monday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flash Flood Warning at 11:51 a.m., confirming that the Desimone Levee on the Green River had failed near Tukwila. Officials warned that the situation could lead to life-threatening flash flooding, with Kent, Renton, and Tukwila all potentially affected. The NWS estimates that more than 46,000 people could be impacted.
Residents and businesses east of the Green River in the Orillia area of Tukwila, Renton, and Kent are under a Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation order. Emergency officials instructed those in the affected zone to move either north or south immediately and avoid all floodwaters.
Authorities strongly warned against walking or driving through standing or moving water, stressing that even shallow flooding can be deadly. Residents were also urged to respect road closures and barricades put in place by emergency crews.
According to the NWS, the levee break occurred along the east side of the Green River near South Todd Boulevard. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said floodwaters are likely to move north toward Interstate 405, noting that King County has issued evacuation notices in addition to the federal weather alert.
The Washington National Guard confirmed on social media that guard members are being deployed to King County to assist with emergency response efforts.
Kent officials reported widespread road closures due to flooding and unsafe conditions, including:
- State Route 167 closed for a six-mile stretch
- Frager Road closed at West Meeker Street; Old Fishing Hole Park closed
- Russell Road closed at Veteran’s Drive; Van Doren’s Landing Park closed
- West Valley Highway / 68th Avenue South / Washington Avenue South closed from Willis Street to South 277th Street
- South 262nd Street from 78th Avenue South to 27232 72nd Avenue South
- 78th Avenue South closed between South 277th Street and South 262nd Street
- South 277th Street closed from 108th Avenue Southeast to 83rd Avenue South / Auburn Way North
Betsy Robertson of the American Red Cross told KING 5 that residents asked to evacuate should be “intentional” about following official instructions and avoid actions that could complicate rescue or response efforts. She emphasized that the geographic challenges of the area make the flooding situation particularly difficult.
Officials say conditions remain fluid as crews monitor water levels and structural impacts along the river. Residents are urged to stay alert, follow evacuation orders, and monitor official updates.
This remains a developing story.