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Summary
Executive Zahilay issued the following emergency order granting authority for additional actions related to a proclamation of emergency earlier this week addressing the severe weather and river flooding impacting the region.
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WHEREAS, on December 8, 2025, in my capacity as King County Executive, I issued a Proclamation of Emergency regarding a significant civil emergency caused by severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds, river flooding, landslides, and burn scar debris flow risk, present in King County (“hazardous weather conditions”); and
WHEREAS, the December 8, 2025 Proclamation of Emergency Regarding Severe Storms and River Flooding remains in full force and effect;
WHEREAS, beginning on December 8, 2025, these hazardous weather conditions have consisted of a series of strong atmospheric rivers affecting the region, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, minor coastal flooding, and anticipated river flooding and urban and small stream flooding; and
WHEREAS, these conditions are creating major flooding to multiple rivers, pose a risk to public property and facilities, and threaten public safety, property destruction, injury, and travel conditions; and
WHEREAS, King County and our surrounding region has experienced periods of heavy rain, widespread significant river flooding, minor coastal flooding, urban and small stream flooding, increased risk for landslides and burn scar debris flows, and high winds, adding to the severe storm conditions described above; and
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service has forecast continued adverse weather that will exacerbate these conditions; and
WHEREAS, these conditions are contributing to rising rivers, with the Snoqualmie and Cedar Rivers experiencing severe flooding and the Skykomish River, Issaquah Creek, White River, and Green River experiencing moderate flooding along with Phase 2 flooding on the Tolt River; and
WHEREAS, the hazardous weather conditions experienced this week by King County and our surrounding region have resulted in historic flooding and other impacts that require immediate action to preserve life and property; and
WHEREAS, K.C.C. 12.52.030.C authorizes the King County Executive to make, proclaim and authorize additional emergency powers, including actions “imminently necessary for the protection of life and property.”
THE FOLLOWING EMERGENCY ORDER GRANTING ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY TO ADDRESS THE IMPACTS OF THE CURRENT HAZARDOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS IS HEREBY PROCLAIMED BY THE KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE, GIRMAY ZAHILAY:
Pursuant to K.C.C. chapter 12.52, I hereby order that county departments, following consultation with the Executive, may undertake the following additional actions when necessary to address the impacts of the current hazardous weather conditions:
- Direct the clearing of debris and wreckage caused by the current hazardous weather conditions from publicly and privately owned lands and waters;
- Direct the closure of any or all public places including streets, alleys, public ways, schools, parks, trails, beaches, amusement areas and public buildings until the impacts of the current hazardous weather conditions have abated;
- Grant emergency postponement of King County permit procedures for public work projects, as defined by RCW 39.04.010, responding to conditions of the emergency or for restoration of public facilities damaged as a result of the emergency. Any postponement under this subsection shall be temporary. All projects must comply with all applicable code requirements. A permit and inspection must be obtained as soon as possible after work has begun, but permit application shall be made no later than six months after the date of the emergency proclamation; and
- Take other actions as necessary to protect against and prevent the imminent loss of life, substantial injury to persons, or damage to property.
A copy of this order shall be delivered to the Clerk of the Council and each King County Councilmember by no later than 10:00 a.m. on the second business day after issuance. To the extent practicable, a copy of this order shall be delivered to all news media within King County and made available to the general public. This Order shall continue in force and effect until the December 8, 2025 Proclamation or this Order is terminated by order of the Executive or action of the County Council by ordinance.
DATED this 11th day of December, 2025.
GIRMAY ZAHILAY, Executive
King County, Washington
Emergency Order Text
Emergency Proclamation Text
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