Levee Breach Causes Flash Flooding in Tukwila, Washington

On December 15, 2025, a levee breach occurred on the Desimone Levee adjacent to the Green River in Tukwila, Washington, prompting immediate evacuation orders for residents and businesses in the surrounding areas of Kent and Renton. The breach was reported around noon local time, following a week of heavy rainfall that had already saturated the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood warning affecting nearly 47,000 people, later refined to approximately 1,100 individuals in the most at-risk areas.

Evacuation order in King County after Green River levee failsNewsweekKPTV - Portland NewsOrange County Register

King County officials quickly responded to the levee failure, with emergency management director Brendan McCluskey confirming that no injuries were reported. Evacuation orders were issued for areas east of the Green River, particularly in the Orillia area of Tukwila, Kent, and Renton. Residents were advised to seek higher ground immediately due to the dangerous conditions, with Governor Bob Ferguson urging the public to "leave immediately if you are in this area."

Newsweek

Emergency shelters were established at the Auburn Community and Event Center, Ray of Hope Shelter, and Evergreen State Fairgrounds to accommodate those displaced by the flooding.

MyNorthwest

The Desimone Levee has a history of vulnerability, having sustained significant damage during previous flooding events, including a notable incident in 2020. Long-term repairs to the levee are not expected to be completed until 2031. Prior to the breach, King County had implemented emergency flood protection measures, including the installation of a seepage blanket to help stabilize the levee.

Orange County Register

The breach occurred as the Green River reached levels not seen in over 60 years, exacerbated by multiple atmospheric rivers bringing torrential rain to the Pacific Northwest. The NWS reported that the river had risen approximately 15 feet in the preceding week, contributing to the levee's failure. The flooding primarily affected industrial areas, with officials stating that the situation was being closely monitored.

CNN

While officials maintained that the breach was minimal and manageable, some residents expressed concerns about the adequacy of the levee's repairs and the effectiveness of the emergency response. Critics highlighted the potential for future flooding events, given the ongoing weather patterns and the levee's compromised state.

Associated Press

John Taylor, director of the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, noted, “It’s just not typical to have these levees have this much water behind them for this long. They’re getting saturated and they’re starting to show the effects of that.” Meanwhile, Laura Pettitt, spokesperson for the city of Renton, stated, “What we understand is that the area is being managed and the breach has been controlled.”

Associated Press

As the region braces for additional rainfall, further assessments of the levee system are expected. The NWS has warned that water levels will remain high for the next week, and residents are advised to stay informed about evacuation orders and safety measures.

Newsweek

• “Leave immediately if you are in this area. Conditions are dangerous and access routes may be lost at any time. Go north or south of evacuated area away from flooding waters. Do not drive or walk through standing or moving water. Turn around, don’t drown. Do not drive around barricades or road closures. If you need emergency evacuation assistance, call 911.” — Bob Ferguson, Governor of Washington

Newsweek

• “We were there because we are monitoring these levees closely,” — John Taylor, Director of King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks

Associated Press

• “What we understand is that the area is being managed and the breach has been controlled,” — Laura Pettitt, Spokesperson for the City of Renton

Associated Press