Heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc across western Washington, leading to extensive flooding that has claimed the life of one man near Seattle. The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office reported that the individual, a 33-year-old male, was found dead after he drove past warning signs and found himself submerged in six feet of water in a ditch on Tuesday.
Additionally, a new flash flood warning was issued overnight in King County following the failure of a levee. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed a breach of the White River in Pacific, Washington, prompting evacuation notices for the area. Residents reported hearing helicopters urging them to evacuate as the situation escalated.
The NWS noted that HESCOS, which are sand- or soil-filled barriers designed to prevent flooding, had failed along the White River. This emergency response follows a breach in the Desimone Levee on the Green River that occurred the previous afternoon, just days after the region faced historic flooding.
Floodwaters have been advancing toward Interstate 405, posing a threat to nearby neighborhoods, businesses, and crucial access routes. A “GO NOW” evacuation notice was issued for residents and businesses situated east of the Green River, specifically targeting the Orillia area of Tukwila, along with parts of Renton, Kent, and Auburn. Officials have stressed the severity of the situation, warning that conditions are rapidly deteriorating.
Initially, the flash flood warning affected nearly 47,000 residents, but this number was later reduced to approximately 7,000 as the situation evolved. Authorities in Renton and Tukwila indicated that while flooding was primarily impacting small industrial zones, they were monitoring the potential for evacuations in residential areas.
Days of relentless rain have already led to widespread flooding, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands and resulting in numerous water rescues across the state. The danger is set to intensify as another atmospheric river is expected to bring even more heavy rainfall and gusty winds on Tuesday, which could exacerbate flooding and further destabilize riverbanks and levees.
Emergency management officials are actively monitoring the situation and urging residents in low-lying or flood-prone areas to move to higher ground without delay. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official alerts and remain prepared for rapidly changing conditions, highlighting the community’s resilience in facing these adverse weather challenges.