- - New Flash Flood Warning: Levee Failures Trigger Immediate Evacuations in King County

Jenn Jordan December 16, 2025 at 4:27 AM

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Days of relentless heavy rain from atmospheric river systems saturated ground and swelled rivers across western Washington state.

A new Flash Flood Warning was issued overnight in King County, Washington, after another levee failed. Early Tuesday the National Weather Service (NWS) in Seattle confirmed a breach of the White River in the city of Pacific and announced an evacuation notice for the city.

The NWS said HESCOS on the White River were failing, HESCOS are barriers filled with sand or soil, designed to protect against flooding.

Tuesday morning's emergency follows a breach in the Desimone Levee on the Green River on Monday afternoon, just days after historic flooding battered parts of the state.

Floodwaters moved toward Interstate 405, threatening nearby neighborhoods, businesses and critical access routes.

AP Photo/Manuel Valdes

A “GO NOW” evacuation notice was in effect for residents and businesses east of the Green River, particularly in the Orillia area of Tukwila, as well as parts of Renton, Kent, and Auburn.

Officials warned that conditions were extremely dangerous and deteriorating quickly.

“Move to higher ground now. Act quickly to protect your life," the National Weather Service said in an urgent message.

Emergency officials stress that no one should attempt to drive or walk through standing or moving water.

The flash flood warning covers nearly 47,000 people, according to the National Weather Service.

The levee failures follows days of heavy rain and widespread flooding that inundated communities, forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents and led to numerous water rescues across western Washington.

Compounding the danger, another atmospheric river is expected to impact the region through Tuesday, bringing additional heavy rain and gusty winds that could worsen flooding and further destabilize riverbanks and levees.

Emergency management officials continue to monitor the situation and urge anyone in low-lying or flood-prone areas to move to higher ground immediately.

Residents are advised to stay tuned to official alerts and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.

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Source: “AOL Breaking”