Flash Flood Warning Triggers Immediate “GO NOW” Evacuations After White River Levee Breach in Pacific, WA
Pacific, Wash. — Early Tuesday morning, the National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning at 1:39 a.m. after a breach was detected in the White River levee that protects the city of Pacific in King County. The warning prompted the launch of a mandatory “GO NOW” evacuation order, directing residents in the immediate floodplain to leave their homes without delay.
The compromised section of the levee, which spans several hundred feet along the White River, began to give way as rising water levels, fueled by a series of intense rainstorms over the past 48 hours, exceeded design thresholds. Emergency crews from the King County Emergency Management Department, along with local fire and police units, have been deployed to assist with evacuations, establish temporary shelters at the Pacific Community Center, and coordinate traffic flow on major thoroughfares such as Highway 99.
Pacific has a history of flood vulnerability, with the White River basin experiencing periodic flooding during heavy precipitation events. Recent meteorological data indicate that the region has received more than twice the average rainfall for this time of year, contributing to saturated soils and heightened runoff. The levee system, originally constructed in the 1970s and upgraded in the early 2000s, is designed to mitigate moderate flooding, but the current conditions have tested its capacity.
County officials emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that the “GO NOW” directive is reserved for scenarios where immediate danger to life is present. Emergency managers urged residents to follow evacuation routes, bring essential medications and documents, and avoid attempting to return until authorities declare the area safe. Utility companies have also been dispatched to shut off power in the most affected zones to reduce the risk of electrocution and fire.
Officials continue to monitor river levels and the integrity of the remaining levee sections using aerial surveys and on‑site inspections. The Washington State Department of Ecology is coordinating with federal agencies to assess potential long‑term repairs and flood mitigation measures. Residents are advised to stay tuned to local news outlets and official social media channels for updates, and to prepare for possible extended displacement while recovery efforts proceed.
