Evacuation orders lifted after Green River levee breach contained

TUKWILA, Wash. — A flash flood warning has expired after a levee failure on the Green River near Tukwila Monday.

The flow of water to the breach site was stopped and temporary repairs were made, according to authorities. King County Emergency Management has lifted evacuation orders for residents and businesses east of the river in the Orillia area, Tukwila, Renton and Kent.

Residents in the area are advised to prepare if conditions deteriorate.

A flood warning remains in effect for Green River near Auburn and Cedar River in Renton.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood warning at 11:51 a.m. Monday, indicating that the Desimone Levee on the Green River has failed. The National Weather Service added that the rupture occurred along the east side of the Green River along South Todd Boulevard.

Warnings have been issued that Kent, Renton and Tukwila could experience flash flooding following the levee failure.

Residents and businesses east of the Green River in the Orillia region of Tukwila, Renton, Kent were under a Level 3 Evacuation Notice (Go Now), before the flash flood warning expired.

Emergency services continue to warn people against walking or driving through standing or moving water, and advise everyone to respect barricades and road closures.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District is working with King County officials to assess the damage and determine next steps.

The Washington National Guard posted on X that it was sending Guard members to King County to support the efforts.

Betsy Robertson of the Red Cross told KING 5 that people who are asked to evacuate should “be intentional” in following instructions and “have the wit” to not create other problems.

Robertson said the geographic challenges presented by flooding were “undeniable”.