TUKWILA, Wash. (RTW News) — Emergency crews have been deployed to reinforce a levee south of Seattle after it experienced a breach following several days of heavy rainfall. The situation has led to evacuation orders affecting approximately 1,100 homes and businesses in the suburbs of Kent, Renton, and Tukwila.
Brendan McCluskey, King County's emergency management director, indicated that the initial warning alerted nearly 47,000 residents but was later refined as the flooding was mostly confined to industrial areas.
No injuries have been reported, and teams are utilizing sandbags to stabilize the compromised levee. Residents were quickly evacuated as a precautionary measure against potential flooding.
According to officials, the breach occurred on the Desimone levee next to the Green River, an area that had been monitored closely for potential flooding risks due to the high water levels.
The National Weather Service had issued a flash flood warning that initially covered a broader area but was later narrowed down as the flooding conditions became clearer.
As crews work tirelessly to shore up the levee, officials remind affected residents to stay informed and heed evacuation orders promptly. The region has been grappling with extreme weather conditions over the past week, making this a critical time for community safety.
Authorities continue to assess the damage and enforce necessary measures to prevent future risks as weather forecasts remain unpredictable.
