Western Washington is currently grappling with severe flooding due to heavy rainfall, prompting road closures and evacuations. A Flood Watch is active across the region, indicating continued risks of flooding. While a Flash Flood Warning was recently issued for parts of south King County following a levee failure on the Green River, the warning has since been canceled after repairs were made.
Impact of Flooding and Evacuations
The flood conditions have significantly affected local communities, with evacuation orders currently in effect. The Level 3 ‘Go Now’ Evacuation is active in Auburn, impacting areas east of State Route 167 and nearby neighborhoods. Rescue operations are ongoing, with approximately 100 residents evacuated. The National Guard and multiple agencies are deployed to assist with these efforts.
Road Closures
Several key roadways remain closed as a result of flooding:
- SR 410 is open for limited single-lane access after being washed out.
- US 2 is closed for an extended period between Leavenworth and Skykomish, with no reopening date provided.
- SR 167 is closed from South 212th Street in Kent to 15th Avenue West in Auburn.
Travelers are advised to seek alternate routes and expect delays on major highways due to ongoing conditions.
Weather Forecast and Further Alerts
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for the Washington Cascades and Olympic Mountains, effective early Wednesday. Heavy snowfall of up to 20 inches is expected in the Cascades, with wind gusts reaching 50 mph. Conditions may worsen travel on major routes.
Utility Outages
Power outages affected thousands of residents in western Washington. Strong winds are anticipated to continue, potentially exacerbating the outage situation. As of the latest reports, additional outages are likely.
Community Resources and Safety Measures
Local resources are available for affected residents. Shelters have been established, including:
- Auburn Community & Events Center
- Senior Center in Pacific
- Pacific Community Center
Residents are urged to stay away from downed power lines and report any outages. Significant efforts are being made to restore power and assist those impacted by the flooding.
How to Help
For those wishing to aid flood relief efforts, GoFundMe has compiled a list of verified fundraisers aimed at assisting affected communities.
Conclusion
Washington continues to battle flooding, with increased rainfall forecasted. Authorities are working diligently to manage the effects of rising waters and ensure community safety. Regular updates are provided as conditions evolve, and residents are advised to remain vigilant.
