Washington Issues Emergency Flash Flood Warning After Green River Levee Failure in Tukwila, Prompting Immediate Evacuations
WASHINGTON — A dangerous flash flood emergency was issued Monday evening after the Green River levee failed near Tukwila, triggering rapid flooding and forcing residents in low-lying areas to move to higher ground immediately. Officials warn that the situation is developing quickly and poses a life-threatening threat to communities in King County.
Levee Failure Near Tukwila Sparks Sudden Flooding
Authorities confirmed that a section of the Green River levee failed, allowing water to surge into surrounding neighborhoods near Renton and Tukwila. The impacted zone includes areas highlighted by emergency officials, where floodwaters are rising and travel is becoming increasingly dangerous.
The National Weather Service placed King County under a Flash Flood Warning until 9:00 PM PST, urging all residents in the affected floodplain to take action without delay.
Residents Told to Evacuate to Higher Ground
Emergency alerts stressed that anyone in the path of the floodwaters should immediately evacuate to higher elevations. Sudden levee breaches can cause water to rush in with little or no warning, leaving very limited time for escape.
Authorities also emphasized that nighttime conditions make this situation more hazardous, as floodwaters may be difficult to see and roads may become impassable within minutes.
High-Risk Zones Include Areas Near Renton and SeaTac
The flood-risk map shows significant impact stretching across communities near Renton, Tukwila, SeaTac, Burien, and portions of the Green River basin. Officials are monitoring water levels closely as the failure continues to release water downstream.
Residents are urged to avoid all flooded roads, obey barricades, and stay updated through emergency channels.
Life-Threatening Danger Expected to Continue
With water levels rising rapidly and the levee breach still active, officials warn the risk remains extremely high until stabilization efforts are made. Additional structural concerns may develop along the river, depending on pressure and inflow patterns.
First responders are currently coordinating rescue operations, evacuation guidance, and neighborhood assessments. For continued updates on severe weather emergencies nationwide, stay connected with NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.