A Flash Flood Warning and mandatory evacuation orders were issued Monday after a failure of the Green River levee near Tukwila triggered life-threatening flooding concerns across southern King County, Washington. Officials confirmed that floodwaters from the breach are moving north toward Interstate 405, prompting alerts for Tukwila, Kent, and Renton.
NWS Warns of “Life-Threatening Flash Flooding”
The National Weather Service (NWS) Seattle issued the warning at 11:51 AM PST, noting it will remain in effect until 9:00 PM Monday. According to the NWS, the levee failure is an “observed” and actively occurring event with “considerable” damage potential, intensified by persistent rainfall on already saturated ground across western Washington.
Emergency officials stressed the severity of the situation, urging residents to evacuate immediately and move to higher ground. The Washington National Guard has been deployed to King County to support emergency response teams.
Areas Under Threat
Communities under the Flash Flood Warning include:
- Tukwila
- Kent
- Renton
Impacted waterways include the Green River, Duwamish Waterway, and Cedar River, where rising water levels continue to threaten nearby neighborhoods and infrastructure.
Emergency Shelters Open Across King County
King County Emergency Management has activated multiple shelters for evacuees, including:
- Auburn Community and Event Center
- Ray of Hope Shelter in Auburn
- Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe — open 24 hours and pet-friendly
Residents are urged to follow all posted evacuation instructions and stay alert to changing conditions.
Governor Bob Ferguson Issues Update
Governor Bob Ferguson shared an update from NWS Seattle confirming that the levee broke near Todd Boulevard, sending water north of I-405. The NWS has warned that access routes may be lost at any time and conditions remain extremely hazardous.
Information from NWS Seattle:
In coordination with King County, we have issued a FLASH FLOOD WARNING for a levee breach in Tukwila WA near Todd, Blvd. Water is likely moving north towards I-405. In addition, an evacuation notice is now in effect from King County.
This is for… pic.twitter.com/eECuc68Jvn
— Governor Bob Ferguson (@GovBobFerguson) December 15, 2025
Officials advised residents to avoid:
- Standing or flowing floodwaters
- Walking or driving through inundated areas
- Ignoring road closures or barricades
The Flash Flood Warning remains in effect until 9 PM PST.
Levee Failure Timeline
County dispatch confirmed the levee breach at 11:51 AM, immediately triggering flash flooding conditions in the Tukwila area. Authorities continue to monitor water movement and reinforce evacuation messaging as the situation develops.
