The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed that the Desimone levee on the Green River in King County, Washington, breached on Monday amid rapidly rising floodwaters. The failure prompted an immediate Flash Flood Warning for King County and parts of southern Seattle, with emergency officials urging residents to seek higher ground.
According to NWS Seattle, the levee breached near Todd Boulevard, triggering fast-moving water flows that are now heading north toward Interstate 405. Multiple communities, including Renton, Kent, Tukwila, and the Orillia region, have been placed under active warning.
Scary visuals shared online show swelling river levels and water beginning to inundate low-lying areas across King County.
— AGeezus (@NetGeezus) December 15, 2025
Where Is the Desimone Levee?
The Desimone levee is a major flood-control embankment located on the east bank of the Green River in King County. It plays a key role in protecting populated areas of Tukwila and Kent.
Key location details include:
- Located near Todd Boulevard
- Runs from South 180th Street to South 200th Street
- Positioned along the lower Green River
- Serves as a structural barrier for surrounding residential and commercial zones
With the levee now breached, floodwaters are expected to continue moving rapidly downstream, increasing risks across central and southern King County.
Southern Seattle Also Under Flood Warning
Parts of southern Seattle, bordering King County, were also placed under Flash Flood Warning as NWS Seattle coordinated emergency messaging with county officials.
In a post on X, NWS Seattle stated: “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.”
The potential impact is significant:
- Two schools
- One hospital
- More than 46,000 residents
are considered at risk according to NWS estimates.
Emergency responders continue to monitor water movement, assess damage, and enforce evacuation orders as the situation evolves.
