Key Takeaways
- A Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuation notice was issued in Auburn due to severe and rapidly worsening flooding, affecting areas south of S 277th St., east of SR 167, west of the Green River, and north of 42nd St. NE.
- Residents were urged to evacuate immediately, taking only essential items, and to avoid driving or walking through floodwaters.
- Shelter is available at the Auburn Community and Event Center and Ray of Hope, with emergency evacuation assistance available by calling 911.
- On Sunday, a Level 2 (Get Set) notice was reissued for residents on the west side of Green River, south of 24th St. NE, east of M St. NE, and north of 4th St. NE, and surrounding neighborhoods.
- Emergency officials warned that flood control efforts may not succeed, and residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
Introduction to the Flood Emergency
The city of Auburn faced a dire situation on Saturday night as a Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuation notice was issued due to severe and rapidly worsening flooding. The affected area included locations south of S 277th St., east of SR 167, west of the Green River, and north of 42nd St. NE, encompassing the Trail Run community, Copper Gate Apartments, and surrounding neighborhoods. The evacuation notice was issued as a result of the rapidly rising floodwaters, which posed a significant threat to the safety of residents and businesses in the area.
Evacuation Instructions and Warnings
Residents and businesses in the affected area were urged to evacuate immediately, with authorities emphasizing that conditions were dangerous and access routes were being lost. The notification clearly stated, "Do not wait. Leave now," and advised residents not to head north, as routes such as Auburn Way North, B Street NW, I Street NE, and SR 167 were unreliable or impassable. Those in the Trail Run community were instructed to evacuate east on S. 277th St. toward Lea Hill and then proceed north. Evacuees were also advised to take only essential items, including medications, important documents, pets, and phone chargers, and to avoid driving or walking through floodwaters, with the reminder, "Turn around, don’t drown."
Shelter and Emergency Assistance
Shelter is available at the Auburn Community and Event Center, located at 910 9th St. SE, and Ray of Hope at 2806 Auburn Way N. For those needing emergency evacuation assistance, calling 911 is advised. The city’s emergency services and regional partners are working tirelessly to provide support and assistance to those affected by the flooding. However, officials warned that flood control efforts may not succeed, and residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Further updates and shelter information can be found on the city’s official website.
Updated Evacuation Notices
On Sunday, residents on the west side of Green River, south of 24th St. NE, east of M St. NE, and north of 4th St. NE, and surrounding neighborhoods were reissued a Level 2 (Get Set) notice. Residents on the east side of Green River along 104th Ave. SE south of 24th St. NE and north of 4th St. NE were also placed under this notice. Emergency officials reported that the water had risen to some doors on the east side of the river and was moving close to homes on the west side of the river. Residents in these areas were urged to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice and to avoid walking or driving through moving water or flooded roadways.
Ongoing Flood Control Efforts
City crews and regional partners are working tirelessly to mitigate the flooding, but there is no guarantee that flood control efforts will succeed. Conditions are rapidly changing and could deteriorate without warning. Residents are urged not to delay and to leave immediately, while continuing to monitor official City of Auburn updates. The city’s emergency services are doing their best to provide support and assistance to those affected by the flooding, but it is essential for residents to take responsibility for their own safety and to follow the evacuation instructions and warnings issued by the authorities.
