Washington state officials have called for urgent evacuations across three suburbs of Seattle. This move follows extensive flooding as a result of an atmospheric river. On September 1, this unprecedented weather phenomenon released more than a foot of rain. So, whenever significant river flooding pounded the state, like water roared toward Canada, it was front and center in the public attention.
The Desimone levee, located approximately five miles south of downtown Seattle, failed as it was unable to withstand the force of the flood waters that reached record levels. That breach happened after a week of biblical rainfall that flooded eastern Kentucky’s rivers and creeks. State and local authorities have already ordered some of the most extensive evacuations ever in the region. This primarily impacts residential and commercial properties east of the Green River in Kent, Auburn and Tukwila.
Brendan McCluskey, the director of emergency management in neighboring King County, told the Seattle Times that repair of local levees would take 12–36 hours. This announcement significantly raised the alarm for communities in the targeted areas. Officials are keeping a very watchful eye on the Desimone levee, which had already experienced catastrophic damage from flooding as recently back in 2020. We shouldn’t expect full long-term repairs for this infrastructure until 2031.
When the emergency contraflow, King County crews went into action. They are moving ahead to install an emergency interim repair measure intended to stabilize that part of the levee. This proven interim emergency solution will be used to stave off collapse until longer-term, permanent repairs can be made. The Washington National Guard is mobilizing troops to assist with COVID response in King County. They have been out helping residents impacted by flood conditions in the western portion of the state this past weekend.
Emergency management officials are pleading with residents to heed evacuation orders. Their hope is that everyone will follow their lead and take appropriate steps, as this situation is still unfolding. Flooded roadways, ongoing rainfall and rapidly rising river levels further compound those risks. Therefore, municipal governments are sounding the alarm.