A levee failure in Washington state, resulting from several days of intense rainfall lead to Southern King County Floods.Green River Levee Failure, prompted a flash flood warning and evacuation orders. However, authorities announced on Monday that repair efforts were in progress. The National Weather Service announced that its flood warning concerning the levee failure will stay in effect until at least 9 p.m. (0500 GMT Tuesday).
- Southern King County Floods
- Repairs in progress
- National Weather Service Issues Warning
- Tips and Tricks to follow by NWS
- What procedures should be followed when driving in rainy conditions?
- FAQ’s On Southern King County Floods
- What are the causes of the Green River levee failure?
- Are there any areas of King County that were impacted in the South?
- Did the county give evacuations?
- Is the flooding being controlled and managed?
King County’s emergency management director,Brendan McCluskey, informed the Seattle Times that the repairs might require several hours and that officials were diligently observing the Desimone Levee in Tukwila, situated approximately five miles south of downtown Seattle, where floodwaters had eroded a section of the levee the size of a car.
Southern King County Floods
On Monday, residents and businesses in the King County area were instructed to evacuate due to a levee breach in Washington state that caused floodwaters to inundate several neighbourhoods. Officials from King County issued an emergency “Go Now” evacuation order for numerous residents and businesses in Tukwila, Renton, and Kent as floodwaters encroached upon the region.
The National Weather Service stated, “This applies to residents and businesses located east of the Green River in the Orillia area of Tukwila, Renton, and Kent. In light of the breach in the Desimone Levee, this area is under a GO NOW evacuation notice. If you are in this vicinity, please leave immediately.”
Repairs in progress
On Monday, authorities announced that repairs are in progress to address the breached section. Brendan McCluskey, the director of emergency management for King County, informed the Seattle Times that the repairs may require several hours.
He also mentioned that officials are vigilantly monitoring the Desimone Levee in Tukwila, located approximately five miles south of downtown Seattle, where floodwaters have eroded a section of the levee the size of a car. Images from the site depicted officials utilising heavy machinery to drop large sandbags into the breach to prevent further erosion.
National Weather Service Issues Warning
The National Weather Service announced that the flood warning associated with the levee failure will remain active until at least 9 PM local time. The NWS Seattle regional office indicated that the conditions in the area are hazardous.
“The conditions are perilous, and access routes may be compromised at any moment. It is advised to travel north or south of the evacuated area, away from the floodwaters. Do not drive or walk through either standing or flowing water. Turn around, don’t drown. Do not bypass barricades or road closures,” it stated.
Tips and Tricks to follow by NWS
Protect yourself during a flood with these guidelines from the NWS. If you are situated in a flood-prone area or camping in a low-lying location, it is vital to seek higher ground without delay. If you receive an evacuation order, comply immediately. Ensure that your home is securely locked when you leave.
If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances. Do not enter basements or spaces where electrical outlets or cords are immersed. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate right away. Do not enter water that could be carrying an electric current, and avoid walking through floodwaters.
Remember that just 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, find the highest point available and call emergency services by dialling 911.
What procedures should be followed when driving in rainy conditions?
- Activate headlights – Even during daylight hours, utilising headlights can enhance visibility and inform other drivers of your presence.
- While navigating the road, choose the centre lanes and stay on elevated ground. Rainwater often accumulates along the edges of the road.
- Avoid puddles; driving through puddles or low-lying areas filled with rainwater can lead to hydroplaning or loss of vehicle control.
- Keep a safe distance from larger vehicles; Trucks and buses can create a water spray that obstructs visibility.
- Steer clear of flooded areas; if you come across a flooded roadway, make a U-turn and return. The strong currents associated with flash floods can sweep vehicles off the road. Traversing deep water can also harm a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical components.
FAQ’s On Southern King County Floods
What are the causes of the Green River levee failure?
At this point, officials have not yet identified a specific cause for the breach of the levee due to high water, excessive rainfall, and pressure on infrastructure. Officials are investigating these factors.
Are there any areas of King County that were impacted in the South?
Flooding caused by heavy rain has affected low-lying areas adjacent to the Green River. The exact locations of where the flooding occurred have not yet been confirmed.
Did the county give evacuations?
There have been several advisories and warnings that were issued to citizens advising them on evacuating. Based on the changing conditions, local authorities will continue to provide advice.
Is the flooding being controlled and managed?
The teams from the local emergency services have been managing the floods, but they will continue to monitor the River and the Weather.
