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Flooding in Green River Valley
It’s hard to fully capture in writing what we’re living through right now. The rain we’ve seen over these last several days is historic – and for many, it’s much more: it’s scary, exhausting and unforgiving. Please know that we see you, and we’re working right alongside you to keep our community safe.
Localized flooding at Roegner Park
Our Emergency Management team, Public Works crews, Communications, first responders, and regional partners are working around the clock – watching river levels and dam releases, closing unsafe roads, reinforcing flood barriers, and getting information out as quickly as we can. I am deeply grateful for their work, and for all of you who are checking on neighbors, sharing timely and accurate information, and simply looking out for one another. This is what Auburn truly is – neighbors helping neighbors, as we’ve always done. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to each one of you.
The White River
My heart is also with our neighbors across Western Washington, especially those in Skagit County and other communities facing catastrophic flooding and “go now” evacuation orders. Please keep them in your thoughts, and if you have loved ones there, encourage them to follow local guidance and stay safe. We’re not out of this storm yet and today could bring even higher water levels and flooding across the region. I am hoping and praying for the best, and our teams are actively planning and preparing for whatever comes.
Kent and Auburn on either side of S. 277th St.
In Auburn, please continue to avoid flooded areas, obey all “Road Closed” signs, and remember: Turn around, don’t drown. For updates on closures, sandbags, and shelter options, visit auburnwa.gov/flood, give us a follow on Facebook, or call our non-emergency line at 253-288-2121. Our teams are pushing out accurate, vetted information as it becomes available.
As with everything we do, we will get through this together, Auburn.
Thank you.
Where things stand right now
Green River at Isaac Evans Park
Auburn has experienced several days of sustained, historic rainfall, with impacts across the city and region. While conditions briefly stabilized, we are not out of this weather system yet.
Forecasts show the Green River is expected to rise again heading into the weekend, potentially reaching Phase 4 (moderate flood levels) -- where it hovered for much of Thursday. If that happens, localized flooding is possible, particularly in low-lying areas near the river and along access roads.
City teams continue to closely monitor:
- Green and White River levels
- Dam releases from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Road conditions and flood barriers
- Weather forecasts and additional rainfall
This remains a dynamic situation, and conditions can change quickly.
A view from above
(Click photo to watch video)
Earlier this week, City staff flew a small plane piloted by Auburn’s Airport Manager from S. 277th Street all the way to Commencement Bay and the mouth of the Puyallup River. The photos and videos from that flight show just how much water has moved through the valleys -- and how much has remained pooled in place.
These visuals help our teams better understand conditions across the watershed and plan for what may come next. We’ll continue sharing photos and video updates as they become available.
Ready. Set. Go. -- What you can do now to prepare
 With the risk of additional flooding still on the table, we are asking residents to stay home if you can and avoid unnecessary travel. If you live near a river or in a flood-prone area, now is the time to review the Ready – Set – Go guidance.
READY – Prepare Now
- Stay informed through auburnwa.gov/flood, official City social media, and weather alerts
- Move vehicles and valuables to higher ground
- Assemble a go-kit with medications, important documents, chargers, food, and water
- Make a plan for pets and check in with neighbors who may need assistance
SET – Be Ready to Act
- Keep vehicles fueled and parked for a quick exit
- Keep essential items by the door
- Watch for water pooling near your home, driveway, or access roads
- Never drive or walk through standing or moving water
GO – Leave If Conditions Become Unsafe
- Leave immediately if water is approaching your home or access road
- Follow evacuation guidance if issued
- When in doubt, err on the side of safety
Remember:
Turn around, don’t drown.
Just a few inches of moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road.
Shelter options are available
 Shelter space is available for anyone who needs it:
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Ray of Hope Shelter
2806 Auburn Way N., Auburn, WA
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Peace Lutheran Church
18615 SE 272nd St., Kent, WA
Shelters are being managed by the American Red Cross, which is available at 1-800-RED-CROSS for additional assistance or questions.
Fuel odor near S. 277th St. & Auburn Way North
 Residents and businesses near S. 277th Street and Auburn Way North may notice strong fuel odors due to flooding at a gas station in the area. Fuel entered floodwater, and a licensed contractor is actively conducting mitigation and cleanup.
During this work:
- Fuel odors may be noticeable and strong at times
- The Valley Regional Fire Authority, U.S. EPA, and Washington State Department of Ecology are aware and actively assessing conditions
If the odor becomes particularly strong, bothersome, or distracting, please call 911 so responders can assess conditions in real time.
Cleanup will continue as quickly and safely as possible.
Flood recovery resources
 As floodwaters recede, there can still be serious health and safety risks when returning home. Floodwater may carry contaminants, mold can begin growing within 24–48 hours, and damage can expose hazards like lead or asbestos.
King County Public Health has compiled clear, step-by-step guidance to help residents safely clean up and recover after a flood, including:
- Health and safety tips after flooding
- Mold cleanup and protective gear guidance
- What household items can be safely kept or should be discarded
- Lead and asbestos safety information
- Emotional and mental health resources after a disaster
- Multilingual resources for flood recovery
Visit King County’s Flood Recovery Resources.
Residents are encouraged to review these resources before beginning cleanup and to take precautions to protect themselves and their families during recovery.
Auburn residents and businesses should also fill out the following surveys to report flood damage.
Stay safe and stay connected
 Please continue to:
- Obey all Road Closed and High Water signs
- Never drive around barricades
- Avoid rivers, flooded parks, and flooded roadways
- Report non-emergency flooding concerns to 253-288-2121
- Call 911 for any life-safety emergency
For the latest updates, resources, photos, and videos, visit auburnwa.gov/flood and follow the City of Auburn on Facebook and BlueSky.
We will continue to share updates as conditions evolve. Thank you for looking out for one another and helping keep Auburn safe.
 As we close out the year, we will soon gather to honor someone who has given so much of herself to Auburn: Councilmember Yolanda Trout-Manuel. On Monday, December 15, just before our final Council meeting of the year, we will hold a special farewell ceremony to recognize and celebrate her years of dedicated service to our community.
Yolanda joined the Council in 2014, and from her first day she has brought an unwavering commitment to youth and families and community well-being. Her leadership has extended far beyond our city limits, representing Auburn on several Sound Cities Association regional committees and nationally through organizations such as NLC’s Hispanic Elected Officials (HELO) and NALEO.
 Her advocacy has earned numerous honors over the years. including the 2024 Women of Excellence Award, but what truly stands out is her heart. Whether pushing for safer roads, supporting survivors of domestic violence, or championing early learning, Yolanda has compassion shaped by her life experience and her deep love for people.
 She has been a passionate voice on our Council, and I am grateful for the years we have served together. On behalf of the City of Auburn, I hope you will join us as we thank Yolanda for the contributions she has made and the lives she has touched.
I look forward to celebrating her with all of you on December 15th.
📅 Monday, Dec. 15
⏰ 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
📍 Auburn City Hall Council Chambers| 25 W. Main Street
 The event feels like it was a year ago, given the week we've had, but I wanted to thank everyone who came out to the Lighted Santa Parade last Saturday! It was the highest attendance I've seen since at least the COVID-19 pandemic ended, and it was so great to see so many smiling faces out on Main Street and at City Hall Plaza.
Check out our photo album on Facebook if you need a nice warm feeling in your stomach.
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