A breach at the Desimone Levee along the Green River has prompted emergency and GO NOW evacuation warnings across King County, raising concerns about flooding impacts and traffic disruptions for communities near Highline.

Desimone levee location. Map courtesy of The Seattle Times, December 15, 2025.

According to The Seattle Times, King County Emergency Management confirmed the levee breach and called for evacuations in affected Green River areas. Emergency shelter is available at the Auburn Community and Event Center and the Ray of Hope Shelter.

Midday Wednesday, Governor Bob Ferguson urged residents to avoid flooded roads and delay nonessential travel as river levels continued to rise, warning that even shallow water can be dangerous for vehicles.

At 3:48pm on Monday, the governor sent out the following update:

For residents near Highline, flooding in the Green River Valley can shift traffic onto higher-ground routes. Drivers are increasingly using side roads through SeaTac, particularly along Military Road South and connecting arterials, to avoid low-lying areas near the river. Increased congestion and slower travel times are possible on these corridors, especially during peak commute hours.

Green River breaching the east levee in Tukwila. Image from X.com account @netgeezus (LINK) December 15, 2025.

King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks said crews recently installed a temporary “seepage blanket” to stabilize the Desimone Levee following damage sustained during the February 2020 floods. Long-term repairs are not expected to be completed until approximately 2031.

While no evacuation orders are in place for most neighborhoods in Highline, residents are encouraged to monitor official alerts and plan for travel delays as storms continue.

Statement and emergency information from King County and Executive Zahilay:

As ongoing hazardous weather and flooding continue to impact the region, Executive Zahilay issued the following statement regarding King County’s emergency response efforts:

“King County and much of Washington state experienced severe and dangerous weather last week, resulting in historic flooding that has put lives, homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure at risk across our region. The risk of ongoing weather impacts remains high, with more rain and wind predicted over the next several days. Our county teams and first responders have been working tirelessly, from rescuing residents in danger to repairing roads and levees, to maintaining operations at critical wastewater facilities, and operating our emergency operations center in partnership with agencies across the county and state.

“It’s essential that our residents understand we are not yet out of the woods, and conditions can change rapidly. As we continue focusing on rescues and managing immediate hazards, we ask everyone to stay informed, follow posted signs and mind barricades set up to protect people and communities, and to please remain patient as response and recovery efforts will continue to take time.”

Current conditions

  • King County continues to respond to weather-related risks as more rain and wind arrive in the region. Rivers will continue to be high with an increased risk of slides and falling trees.
  • King County’s Emergency Operation Center remains at full activation to coordinate a regional response to flooding, landslides, and transportation disruptions, along with rescue, evacuations communication, and sheltering coordination with local partners.
  • A breach in the Desimone Levee created a GO NOW evacuation notice for residents and businesses east of the Green River in the Orillia area of Tukwila, Renton, and Kent.
  • If you’ve been asked to leave areas in danger of flooding or that have flooded, shelters are available.
  • King County Flood Patrols continue to assess active situations along the rivers, including the White, Green, and Cedar rivers, which are still at a moderate-severe flood stage.
  • Some roads are starting to reopen, but conditions are getting worse in other areas. Never drive through flooded roads – turn around, don’t drown.
  • At Black Diamond Pump Station, Wastewater Treatment Division crews responded to heavy groundwater infiltration that overwhelmed the facility. They mobilized around-the-clock pumper trucks to transport water downstream and back into the pipe to go to the South Treatment Plant in Renton, preventing a sewer overflow into a nearby lake.

Stay safe & informed

How to help: donations and volunteering

  • There are several trusted ways to support response and recovery efforts. Learn more about donations and volunteering opportunities here.

After the flood

  • If your home or business has flooded, here are some safety tips as you clean up.
  • As efforts turn from response to recovery, King County Emergency Management offers tips and information for residents dealing with the aftermath.
  • Report impacts to your home or property and understand the resources that may become available to help
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