Breaking: Levee failure triggers flash flooding and urgent evacuations in Pacific, Washington
Flash Flood Emergency in Pacific, WA
A levee along the White River in Pacific, Washington failed before dawn today. I confirmed the breach in the early morning hours. Evacuations began around 2:30 a.m., as water rushed toward homes near the river. Sirens, door knocks, and urgent alerts followed within minutes. Crews moved block to block as the river poured through the gap.
The evacuation zone runs from Ellingson Road past Third Avenue along the White River to County Line Road SW. If you live or work in this area, you must leave now. Water is fast, cold, and rising. Conditions are changing by the minute, and visibility is poor in the darkness. This is a life safety emergency.
If you are in the evacuation zone, move to higher ground immediately. Do not wait to be told again.
Why the Levee Failed Today
This failure did not happen in a vacuum. The Pacific Northwest is in the grip of a historic atmospheric river. It began around December 8 and reloaded on December 14. That is a long, heavy tap of Pacific moisture. The White River has carried days of relentless runoff. Soils are saturated. Every new inch of rain runs straight into channels.
Under this pressure, levees face constant stress. Water seeks weak points. It pushes through seams, seeps beneath, and can scour the river side. Overnight, that pressure won. The breach is part of a wider flood crisis across western Washington. Many rivers are at or near record flow. With more rain possible today, other structures remain at risk.
What Residents Must Do Now
If you are in the evacuation area, leave immediately. Do not drive through floodwater. You cannot see the road, and the current can lift even large vehicles. Stay off riverbanks and avoid foot bridges near high flow. If water is entering your home, move to the highest level and call for help.
- Grab essentials only, including medications, IDs, chargers, warm clothes, and pet supplies.
If you have time and it is safe, shut off power at the main breaker. Pack for at least 48 hours away from home. Take your pets. Check on neighbors who may need help. Shelters and reception centers are operating, and transport support is available. If you are trapped, call 911 and give your exact location.
Turn around, do not drown. Six inches of fast water can knock you off your feet. Two feet can carry a car.
The Bigger Climate Picture
This flood is part of a pattern that scientists have warned about for years. A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture. That means stronger atmospheric rivers and longer rain events. Freezing levels rise, so more rain falls on saturated ground, rather than as mountain snow. Rivers swell faster. Levees designed for past conditions face new extremes.
Pacific and neighboring cities need protection that fits today’s climate. Setback levees create room for rivers to spread out. Floodplain restoration reduces peak flows and speeds recovery. Early warning sensors detect seepage and stress hours ahead. Buyouts and elevation can move the most at-risk homes out of danger. Stormwater upgrades, tree cover, and wetland buffers help slow water before it hits the channel.
[IMAGE_2]
These choices cost money. But the cost of repeated flood losses is higher. Today’s failure is a warning shot and a roadmap. Build for the climate we live in now, not the one our parents knew.
What Comes Next
Engineers are working to stabilize the breach. Crews are staging sandbags and assessing access routes. Expect road closures near the river. Expect power interruptions where floodwater threatens lines and equipment. The risk of landslides is rising on steep, soaked slopes. Even if rain eases, rivers can keep rising for hours. Water from upstream must still move through this reach.
I will continue to monitor river gauges, weather updates, and field conditions through the day. If you get a new alert, follow it fast. If you are safe, stay off flooded roads to leave room for rescue teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the evacuation zone right now?
A: From Ellingson Road past Third Avenue along the White River to County Line Road SW. If you are in or near this area, evacuate now.
Q: How long will the flooding last?
A: Rivers often peak hours after heavy rain. Expect high water through today, with levels easing only as runoff clears the system.
Q: Is floodwater safe to walk through?
A: No. It can carry sewage, fuel, and sharp debris. It also hides sinkholes and open manholes. Avoid contact.
Q: What should I take if I leave now?
A: Medications, IDs, phones and chargers, warm layers, and supplies for pets. Focus on safety over belongings.
Q: Who do I call if I need rescue?
A: Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies. For shelter locations and updates, follow official city and county alerts.
The White River has reminded Pacific who is boss today. Lives come first. Get out of harm’s way now, help your neighbors, and give crews the space to work. We will rebuild smarter, but tonight we focus on survival and clear, calm action.
