MYNORTHWEST WEATHER

Level 3 ‘Go Now’ evacuations issued in Orting as flooding increases

Dec 10, 2025, 11:50 AM | Updated: 3:11 pm

water rescues washington flooding...

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.”

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.

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 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.”

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