Emergency crews are in a race against time to repair a failed levee along the Green River in Washington state, after a series of powerful atmospheric rivers deluged the Pacific Northwest with torrential rain and widespread flooding.
Evacuation Orders Issued and Re-Issued
The volatile situation led to urgent evacuation orders for residents in the city of Pacific, located roughly 20 miles (32km) south of Seattle, early on Tuesday 16 December 2025. Police warned those near the breached White River levee to “Go Now!” This alert came just hours after an evacuation order was lifted on Monday evening for suburbs affected by a separate levee failure.
That initial breach occurred on Monday 15 December, when a small section of the Desimone levee beside the Green River gave way. The failure followed a solid week of relentless heavy rains, forcing people from their homes in parts of three suburbs. The brief respite offered by the lifted order was shattered by the new threat along the White River.
Days of Deluge and Dangerous Conditions
The crisis stems from a major storm system that has battered parts of Washington state and Canada, dumping more than a foot of rain. This intense precipitation has caused numerous rivers to swell to dangerous heights, inundating communities and triggering destructive mudslides.
The flooding has already had severe consequences, prompting the evacuation of tens of thousands of people and requiring scores of rescue operations across western Washington. Repair work on the damaged Green River levee in Tukwila was documented by crews on 15 December, as seen in photographs from the scene.
More Rain and Rising Rivers Expected
According to local reports, the intense weather pattern is forecast to persist until at least Wednesday 17 December. Meteorologists warn that more rivers are expected to reach critical flood levels, compounding the existing emergency and threatening further damage.
The repeated atmospheric river events highlight the growing challenge of extreme weather in the region, with infrastructure like ageing levees being tested to their limits. Emergency services remain on high alert as they respond to the immediate danger and prepare for potential new breaches.
