Heavy rains and flooding in Washington state caused a levee failure south of Seattle, prompting emergency measures and evacuation orders. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and crews quickly worked to stabilize the area.
Levee Breach Triggers Evacuations
On Dec. 15, 2025, the Desimone Levee in King County experienced a minor breach, leading officials to issue a “go now” evacuation notice for residents and businesses east of the Green River in the Orillia area, including parts of Tukwila, Renton, and Kent.
The King County Office of Emergency Management instructed people to move north or south, away from the floodwaters. The National Weather Service also issued a flash flood warning for the Green River, Duwamish Waterway, and Cedar River areas, urging residents in low-lying areas to seek higher ground immediately.
Impact and Emergency Response
While it was unclear how many people were affected, the warning covered nearly 7,000 residents. Crews quickly used sandbags to shore up the levee, and flooding remained limited to a small industrial zone. No residents needed evacuation, and there were no injuries reported.
The Desimone Levee is crucial, protecting more than 30,000 people across Tukwila, Renton, and Kent. Last week, emergency crews installed a “seepage blanket” to stabilize the levee and prevent downstream flooding.
Widespread Flooding Across Washington
The levee failure is part of a larger flooding event across the state caused by a series of storms fueled by atmospheric rivers. Since Dec. 1, some areas in the Cascades have received up to 30 inches of precipitation, mostly as rain.
Highway 2, a major cross-mountain route, has been closed for 50 miles due to flooding and mudslides. Multiple rivers reached record levels, prompting other evacuations across the state. President Donald Trump approved disaster assistance through FEMA on Friday to support affected communities.
Local Residents Face Flooding Challenges
In Sedro-Woolley, 13-year-old Justus Top rode a jet ski through his family’s front yard as the nearby Skagit River flooded. While the garage was submerged, the house remained safe, with water coming within a foot of the structure.
King County emergency teams continue to monitor the situation and encourage residents to follow safety instructions and stay informed about potential flash floods.
Conclusion
Washington state continues to battle severe flooding, with levee breaches and high river levels threatening communities near Seattle. Quick action by emergency crews has prevented major damage or injuries so far, but residents are urged to stay alert as storms and high water levels continue. Proper precautions, timely evacuations, and levee reinforcements remain critical to keeping the public safe.
