Level 3 ‘Go Now’ evacuations issued in Orting as flooding increases
Dec 10, 2025, 11:50 AM | Updated: 3:11 pm
A man in a Santa hat is rescued by Pierce County Sheriff’s Swiftwater Team at Bill and Dan’s RV park in Orting. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders have been issued for parts of Orting due to ongoing flooding in several areas.
Central Pierce Fire & Rescue publicly stated that people living in the area of Williams Boulevard N.W., Mellinger Avenue N.W., and Stone Street N.W. need to evacuate now.
An additional Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation order has been issued for community members who live in the area near High Cedars Golf Course community, south of the Puyallup River near 150th Avenue E., 188th Street E., 184th Street E., 176th Street E., 168th Street E., off Pioneer Way E., 177th Street E., and Patterson Road E.
“Please be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice,” Central Pierce Fire & Rescue.
Evacuation areas can be viewed here.
“River levels within Orting are extremely high. City of Orting levee improvements are working as designed,” Central Pierce & Fire stated. “Our concern is the levees upstream on the Puyallup River in the south end of town. We are actively monitoring river levels in that area.”
Evacuation Information for the Orting Community
There is a LEVEL 3- GO NOW evacuation notice for community members that live in the area of Williams Bvld NW, Mellinger Ave NW, and Stone St NW.
There is a LEVEL 2 – BE SET evacuation notice for community members that live in the… pic.twitter.com/o4iuDfks36
— Central Pierce Fire & Rescue (@CentralPierce) December 10, 2025
Water rescue in Orting
Three people are trapped in an RV park in Orting after substantial flooding took place.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Swiftwater Team is currently at Bill and Dan’s RV park in Orting, which has flooded. Multiple RVs are underwater.
Active Swiftwater Recoveries going on in Orting, WA pic.twitter.com/l5qIAtqgl9
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) December 10, 2025
The Swiftwater Team is deploying boats to help rescue those who are stuck. No injuries have been reported.
‘Catastrophic’ flooding possible as State Emergency Center reaches highest activation level
The State Emergency Operations Center has elevated to a Level 1 activation — the highest level possible — as heavy rain and strong winds continue across Washington.
The center is in constant contact with local emergency managers, closely tracking the impacts. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said state emergency personnel are prepared to assist communities if needed.
The Washington National Guard has resources on standby.
The State Emergency Operations Center elevated to a Level 1 activation this afternoon — the highest level of activation — due to the ongoing rain and wind.
The center is in constant contact with local emergency managers and closely monitoring weather impacts.
Our state…
— Governor Bob Ferguson (@GovBobFerguson) December 10, 2025
The National Weather Service (NWS) stated that “catastrophic” flooding could occur at the Skagit and Snohomish Rivers.
“Locally catastrophic flooding impacts are possible along Skagit and Snohomish Rivers,” NOAA’s National Water Center said Wednesday morning. “Major and/or record flooding is expected, bringing an increasing threat to life and property. Overtopping of levees is possible.”
The San Juan County Department of Emergency Management is warning island residents not to travel to Skagit County unless it’s absolutely necessary.
“The peak of the flooding in Mt. Vernon is currently forecast to occur at 4 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 12. It is not clear exactly when flooding could impact the highways, but it could potentially occur during the day on Thursday, Dec. 11,” the San Juan County Department of Emergency Management stated. “Islanders are strongly encouraged to delay non-critical travel until after the flooding has receded and it has been confirmed that the roads are open. Road conditions are available on the WSDOT map.”
Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here.
