Current Emergency Information

In an emergency, Renton Emergency Management will attempt to post updates on Twitter, Facebook, and Nextdoor. Along with the City of Renton's Twitter and Facebook accounts, the Renton Police Department, and the Renton Regional Fire Authority Twitter accounts for additional emergency information.

Current Situation

For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1 right away. If 9-1-1 is not working, call the non-emergency number at 425-235-2121 and provide your location information.

Since Wednesday, December 10, the city has been monitoring the atmospheric river event and impacts to the Cedar River and surrounding low-lying areas. Since then the city has been managing the aftermath of this record flood event.

On Monday, December 15, King County Emergency Management reported a breach at the Desimone Levee and an initial flash flood warning was communicated to King County residents who were within the initial impact area. Areas within Renton city limits did not have to evacuate and by 6 p.m. that same day, King County Emergency Management canceled the flash flood warning for the Green River due to the swift work from King County, Renton crews and other nearby cities crews who were able to contain and repair the breach.

The city continues to monitor this dynamic situation and assess the damages on city infrastructure. 

Updates

Road and lane closures

 Still closed

  • Nile Ave SE

Now open 

  • Southbound  Maple Valley Highway/ SR 169 near Riverview Park (opened on Friday, December 19)
  • Northbound Maple Valley Highway / SR 169 (closed on Tuesday, December 16, 9 p.m., opened on Wednesday, December 17, 11:55 a.m.)
  • Logan Avenue (closed on Wednesday, December 17, 2:09 a.m., opened on Wednesday, December 17, 11:55 a.m.)
  •  Burnett Ave. N. in both directions between N. 4th St. to N. 6th St. (closed on Wednesday, December 17, 2:09 a.m., opened on Wednesday, December 17, 3:37 p.m.)
  • NE 23rd St. and Edmonds Ave NE (closed on Wednesday, December 17, 4:44 a.m., opened on Wednesday, December 17, 11:55 a.m.)
  •  Benson Rd. S. between S. 26th St. to 106th Ave. SE (closed on Wednesday, December 17, 5:21 a.m., opened on Wednesday, December 17, 12:40 p.m.)

Park and trail closures

Still closed

  • Sections of the Cedar River Trail
  • Public access to Riverview and Maplewood Roadside Parks and parking lots in support of King County's emergency repairs to address erosion along southbound SR 169 at SE 7th Street.

Now open

  • The pedestrian bridge under I-405, located between Cedar River Park and the Cedar River Trail near the dog park (opened on Tuesday, December 16, 1:47 p.m.)

Power outages

PSE has reported some areas within Renton city limits have lost power. For updates on power restoration, visit PSE’s outage map at pse.com/outagemap.

 

Active project repairs

SR-169 is fully open, and the riverbank stabilization work was completed on Friday, December 19. There are currently no repair projects impacting traffic along that corridor within Renton.

 

 

 

Alerts

King County EM has created an alert mapping tool with an address search function to address questions on where potential impacts may occur. Please note this tool is experimental and imperfect, and the Cedar River flood area reflects the hazard from the atmospheric river (not current status). This is being updated and may serve as a helpful tool as the weather situation continues

Public Emergency Alerts

In addition, sign up or access the following pages for more information and updates:

How can I help?

For recovery resources, please visit our website to find resources available for residents and businesses.

 

Past flood incident reports and updates 

Flood Incident Updates 12/16/25

In addition, Puget Sound Energy has reported some outages in Renton. For the latest updates, download the PSE mobile outage app or visit pse.com/outagemap.

Tuesday, December 16, 11:45 p.m.: The northbound lane of Maple Valley Highway (SR-169) across from the Riviera Apartments directly across Blaine Dr. SE will remain closed overnight to continue monitoring the slide area.

Tuesday, December 16, 9:29 p.m.: A mudslide has occurred, closing the northbound lane of Maple Valley Highway across from the Riviera Apartments and Blaine Dr. NE.

Renton Police Department, WA, and Public Works crews are on the scene. One lane remains open, but expect traffic delays. If you can, please avoid the area and find alternative routes.

Tuesday, December 16, 12:45 p.m.: The past 24 hours have brought challenges to our community here in the City of Renton. We will continue to provide information and updates as soon as they become available. The city has worked closely with King County Emergency Management to continue monitoring the impacts of yesterday’s breach at the Desimone Levee. The upcoming forecast predicts that precipitation will decrease after today, and the water levels at the Cedar River and Green River will be receding but remain at a minor flood stage.

City crews provided 30 super sacs to King County to help stop the breach, in addition to supporting emergency repairs required to patch the Tabor Crowall Revetment, which protects SR-169 from major floods. Public Works continues to offer sandbags to residents at the Public Works Maintenance Shop. 

The city is recovering from last week’s flooding. Below are the most recent updates regarding Renton roads, bridges, parks, and trails: 

  • The pedestrian bridge under I-405, located between Cedar River Park and the Cedar River Trail near the dog park, is now open.
  • East Perimeter Road, just north of Logan, is now open.
  • The airport is managing flood cleanup, so please proceed with caution and report any flooding issues to the airport at (425) 430-7471. Renton Municipal Airport remains open; however, the seaplane base is closed until further notice due to debris in Lake Washington. 

The following bridge access points remain closed: 

  • Nile Ave NE

The following parks and trails remain closed: 

  • Sections of the Cedar River Trail (please avoid)
  • Riverview and Maplewood Roadside Park, including parking lots 

Over the next few weeks, Renton and partner agencies will conduct thorough assessments of damages sustained during recent flood events to city infrastructure, and initiate the repair and restoration effort required to recover from the significant impact of these events.  

For the latest emergency updates, please visit this page. For flood alerts sign up through King County's Flood Alert System at https://green2.kingcounty.gov/floodalertsystem/.

For resources for residents impacted directly by the flooding or provide a helping hand to those impacted, visit our page with these resources here: https://yourvoice.rentonwa.gov/2025-flood

Tuesday, December 16, 11:17 a.m.: Renton Parks and Recreation has closed public access to Riverview and Maplewood Roadside parking lots in support of King County's emergency repairs. These parking lots will remain closed until the county's emergency repairs are complete. Thank you for your understanding as we keep public safety as a top priority.

Flood Incident Updates 12/15/25

Monday, December 15, 6:10 p.m.: King County Emergency Management has cancelled the flash flood warning for the Green River. A flood watch is still in effect per National Weather Service and the alert has been lowered to “Ready” (Level 1) for the residents and businesses east of the Green River in the Orillia area in Tukwila, Renton, and Kent. No impact to Renton residents is currently anticipated.

Monday, December 15, 4:20 p.m.:  Areas within Renton city limits are not being asked to evacuate at this time. King County continues to work on repairs, and the breach is being managed at the Desimone Levee.

We thank our residents for your patience as conditions remain dynamic. 

The city is working closely with King County Emergency Management to monitor the levee and how this incident impacts Renton residents.

The following areas need to, 'BE READY' for evacuation for Renton residents. The dark red indicates areas that need to 'GO NOW,' and the light red indicates areas that may flood and need to 'BE READY' to evacuate.  

The map was provided by the King County Flood Warning Center.

Sign up for King County Flood Alert: https://green2.kingcounty.gov/floodalertsystem/

Areas that need to be ready to evacuate map from King County Flood Warning Center

Monday, December 15, 3:25 p.m.: Areas within Renton city limits are not being asked to evacuate at this time.

King County continues to work on repairs, and the breach is being managed at the Desimone Levee.

An updated flash flooding map was recently published on King County's website indicating the following areas should move to higher ground. Go north or south of evacuated area away from flooding waters. Do not drive or walk through standing or moving water. Turn around, don’t drown. Do not drive around barricades or road closures. If you need emergency evacuation assistance, call 911.

S. 180th at West Valley in Tukwila is currently closed. 

For the latest information, visit King County: https://kcemergency.com/

 

Monday, December 15, 1:07 p.m.: King County, Washington - Government published an emergency "GO NOW" evacuation notice due to the breach in the Desimone Levee in Tukwila.

The breach is being managed by King County, and they are working to stabilize the area. As of now, there is no immediate impact to the commercial area of Renton east of SR 167 and south of SW 19th Street.

 

Monday, December 15, 7:25 a.m.: Crews are beginning work to address erosion along southbound SR 169 at SE 7th Street. Riverview Park and the parking lot will be closed to the public for the duration of the project. Closure of the far right-hand southbound lane is anticipated through the week.

 

Flood Incident Updates 12/14/25

Sunday, December 14, 6:05 p.m.: Currently, there is no risk to the City of Renton from high water flow. We know the City of Auburn evacuated for flooding on the Green River today. The Cedar River’s prediction is for moderate flows that would cause little to no flooding.

From experience, the City’s engineers tell us this is comparable to the high flows we typically experience in the winter (when we often have to close the Cedar River Trail).

The City of Renton is aware of the flooding occurring in neighboring cities and jurisdictions and will continue to work around the clock with our partners to respond to ongoing flooding concerns in the region.

Sunday, December 14, 12:26 p.m.:  Highway 167 between Kent and Auburn is currently closed. The far right lane of southbound Highway 169 remains closed, with potential for additional lane closures.

The National Weather Service extended the Flood Warning for the Cedar River at Renton, affecting King County. Minor flooding is occurring, and minor flooding is forecast. In effect until further notice.

The King County Flood Warning Center provides real-time river level information here: https://flood.kingcounty.gov/. The information provided incorporates any planned water releases from dams in its forecasts and is updated regularly.

To receive alerts for sudden high flows that were not originally predicted, be sure you are signed up for ALERT Renton, the system we use to issue urgent warnings: http://rentonwa.gov/alert

Flood Incident Updates 12/13/25

Saturday, December 13, 3:05 p.m.: Renton Police Department is on site, and City of Renton transportation maintenance staff are mobilized to close the far right-hand eastbound lane of SR-169 just east of the SE 5th Street and Maple Valley Hwy.

Soil erosion along this segment of the Cedar River may present a hazard to motorists going east bound on SR-169. WSDOT is enroute to the site, we will provide updates as available. 

Saturday, December 13, 11:55 a.m.: We are aware that a boil water advisory was issued by the Cedar River Water and Sewer District in an area south of SR-18. Here is what this means for Renton residents:

The City of Renton water supply and drinking water quality has not been impacted by the recent flooding. The Cedar River Water and Sewer District has issued a precautionary boil water advisory to residents in an area south of SR-18 (see attached map), which does not include any properties within the City of Renton.  This boil water advisory is due to a Cedar River Water and Sewer District water supply pipeline that crosses the Cedar River failing during the recent flooding.  For additional information, please contact the Cedar River Water and Sewer District at (425) 255-6370.

Map of areas impacted by the water boil advisory 

Flood Incident Updates 12/12/25

Friday, December 12, 4:37 p.m.: Houser Way pedestrian bridge is now open. The pedestrian bridge under I-405 will remain closed. 

Renton Community Center will remain closed through Sunday, December 14. All programs, rentals, and facility access are temporarily suspended.

For recovery resources, please visit our website to find resources available for residents and businesses through King County and FEMA.

Friday, December 12, 10:07 a.m.: The following bridges are now open to vehicle and pedestrian traffic:

  • Wells Ave
  • Williams Ave
  • Houser Way Bridge

The Nile Ave NE Bridge is anticipated to be closed through the weekend.

An updated schedule for both Renton sandbag locations for today is available below:

City of Renton Sandbagging (Limit 25 bags per person)

  • 3555 NE 2nd Street, Renton, WA 98056
  • 7am – 3pm (12/12: Hours may be extended)
  • Self-service
  • Please check in at the A-1 Building and staff will assist.

King County Sandbagging

  • 3021 NE 4th Street, Renton, WA 98056
  •  24/7
  • Self-service
  • Along Jefferson Ave NE adjacent to Renton Transfer Station.

A shelter option at Peace Lutheran (18615 SE 272nd St, Kent, WA 98042) is open and operational- 24/7, overnight, ADA accessible, and accepts pets. For more information call 1-800-Redcross. 

Due to a power outage, the Renton Community Center is closed. All programs, activities, and facility access are impacted until power is restored. Staff are on site and working with the utility provider to safely reopen the facility as soon as possible. We will share updates regarding reopening as information becomes available. 

 

Flood Incident Updates 12/11/25

 Thursday, December 11, 9:26 p.m.: The following bridges are closed in Renton for both vehicles and pedestrians:

  • Wells Ave
  • Williams Ave
  • Houser Way Bridge
  • Nile Ave NE Bridge

Thursday, December 11, 2:46 p.m.: The shelter at St. Matthew's is closing and redirecting residents to Peace Lutheran Church in Kent, 18615 SE 272nd St, Kent, WA 98042, for overnight sheltering. Pets are welcome. The facility is ADA accessible. Additional shelter information can be found at https://kcemergency.com/2025/12/10/shelters-available/

In addition, Williams Avenue South bridge is back open, but the pedestrian walkway is closed at Williams Ave and Wells Ave. Pedestrians are advised to avoid bridges due to high water levels.

Thursday, December 11, 2 p.m.:  Williams Avenue South bridge is closed. In addition, Tukwila is experiencing stormwater backflow affecting traffic near NC Machinery. One lane in each direction is closed due to water on the road, and the Union Pacific railroad crossing is in flash mode, causing delays. Crews are working to bypass the affected system. Please avoid the area if possible and plan extra travel time.

Thursday, December 11, 12:45 p.m.: The pedestrian bridge at Houser Way and pedestrian access under the I-405 overpass are closed.

Thursday, December 11, 10:38 a.m.: The Cedar River is cresting currently and is expected to remain high into the evening. If you have a life-threatening emergency now, call 9-1-1. If your home is threatened by floodwaters and you choose to leave, 24/7 sheltering is available at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 1700 Edmonds Ave NE. Pets are allowed. Maps of areas below of homes that could be impacted by floodwaters.

 

SE-7th-Street-Neighborhood-1.jpg(PDF,513KB) Maplewood-Neighborhood-1-1.jpg(PDF,554KB)

 

The Renton Public Works Maintenance Shop has extended its hours for self-service sand bagging, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., located at 3555 NE 2nd St, Renton, WA 98056. Check in at the A-1 Building upon arrival.

Road closed at East Perimeter Road just North of Logan. Renton Municipal Airport remains open. 

Thursday, December 11, 8:15 a.m.: The city continues to monitoring water levels and its impacts of flooding along the Cedar River.

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church at 1700 Edmonds Ave NE is currently open and operating as a 24/7 shelter. Pets are allowed. Download the Red Cross app to check capacity.

Maplewood Golf course will be closing the front 9 holes (1-9) this morning due to water levels on the east side of the river. The main facility, pro shop, driving range, clubhouse and back 9 holes (10-18) will remain open.

Reminders:

  • Do not drive through roads with water flowing over them and respect road closed signs
  • King County and Renton Public Works Maintenance Shop have materials to fill your own sand bags
    • King County: 3021 NE 4th Street, Renton, WA 98056, open 24/7
    • Renton Public Works Maintenance Shop: 3555 NE 2nd St, Renton, WA 98056, open 7 a.m.-4 p.m. self service and check in at the A-1 Building when you arrive
  • In an emergency always call 9-1-1 

Flood Incident Updates 12/10/25

Wednesday, December 10, 7:47 p.m.: For additional resources and information, including available emergency shelters and travel guidance, visit the King County Emergency Management website at https://kcemergency.com/. For emergency assistance, always call 9-1-1.

Wednesday, December 10, 4:38 p.m.: The City of Renton continues to monitoring NOAA and USGS data in real-time for changing probabilities of flooding along the Cedar River. For the real-time information, view the USGS live water level at gauge 7 (Cedar River at Renton) and NOAA's probability charts at water.

Wednesday, December 10, 4:15 p.m.: Find quick insights and tips from the city's Public Works Utility Engineering Manager, Joe Farah, on how the city plans for these types of flooding events. Watch the video here.

Wednesday, December 10, 2:40 p.m.: NOAA predicts flooding along the Cedar River at Renton will peak at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 11. The most likely peak range (15 to 15.75 feet) will not reach major flood levels. City of Renton Emergency Management will monitor and issue updates as the situation changes: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/RNTW1

Real-time information on the Cedar River can be found at: USGS Water Location Monitoring - Cedar River at Renton.

Sandbags are available through King County, locations are available here: King County Sandbag Distribution Locations

Wednesday, December 10, 1 p.m.: Cedar River Trail Closure - Please stay away from the fenced-off area between the Cedar River Dog Park and Riverview Park. The river is running very high, and flooding may increase over the next few days. The ground near the river is unstable and can be dangerous. Use safe detours and avoid the closure completely. Your safety is our top priority.

Wednesday, December 10, 11 a.m.: The City of Renton Emergency Management division is currently monitoring the atmospheric river event and potential impact to the Cedar River and surrounding low-lying areas. Text updates are available through Alert Renton for emergency notifications. Monitoring updates will be posted to this page and shared on city social channels as available. 

Flood Incident Updates 12/9/25

December 9, 2:45 p.m.: Road closed at Nile Ave NE just north of the Nile Ave. NE bridge due to high levels of water overflowing into the road. Please avoid the area and find alternative routes. 

For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1 right away. If 9-1-1 is not working, call the non-emergency number at 425-235-2121 and provide your location information.

 

 

General resources and information 

Emergency Instructions

  • In extreme heat, extreme cold, or wet weather, please drive safely and watch your step! Accidents of all kinds or more likely in poor weather conditions. Remember to also check on others who might need help if weather conditions are worsening.
  • If your power goes out, dress appropriately to maintain a healthy body temperature. You can report the power outage to your electricity provider. For food safety, avoid opening your refrigerator door unless absolutely necessary. Additional information on getting through a power outage is available from Puget Sound Energy and Seattle City Light.
  • For life threatening emergencies call 9-1-1 right away. If 9-1-1 is not working, call the non-emergency number at 425-235-2121 and provide your location information.

To get the most current emergency instructions for your area, sign up for ALERT Renton.

 

Utilities

Water

For water emergencies, contact the Public Works Water Division at 425-430-7400 

Sewer

For wastewater emergencies, contact Public Works Wastewater Division at 425-430-7400 or nnelson@rentonwa.gov

Electricity, Gas, and Power 

Electricity, gas, and power services are provided by Puget Sound Energy for most of the City, with some residents served by Seattle City Light.

If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, evacuate the area and call 9-1-1 from a cell phone right away.

Garbage and Debris Removal 

Service interruptions to regular garbage service due to weather conditions or other disruptions are posted by Republic Services. For questions, please reach out to Republic Services at 206-777-6440.

 

Streets

  • To report roads blocked by fallen trees or abandoned cars, call the Renton Police non-emergency number at 425-235-2121.
  •  Planned road closures are posted on the Impact Traffic Report page.
  • See Renton snow routes for plowing and sanding information. Plowing is complete on primary and secondary arterials, first before addressing neighborhoods. Some roads cannot be plowed because cars are in the way.
  • For additional information on winter preparations and processes performed by the city's Streets Maintenance Division, visit our winter prep webpage.

Shelters

The City of Renton's Overnight Emergency Cold Weather Shelter is located at St. Anthony’s Parish Rec Hall, 501 S. 4th St., Renton, WA 98057. The nonprofit agency, REACH Renton, operates the shelter. 

 Shelter information is as follows:

  • Maximum Capacity of 40
  • Drop-ins welcome
  • Separate areas for men, women, and families
  • Snacks/food/warm beverage provided
  • Mats and blankets provided
  • Shelter is operated by REACH staff

Please check the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) website for other shelters/resources available: Severe Weather Response - KCRHA

Severe Weather Shelters are activated when one or more of these conditions is present:

  • Daily high temperature is forecast to be 35°F or below and daily low temperature is forecast to be 30°F or below for one or more days.
  • Snow accumulation expected to exceed four (4) inches in depth.
  • Other conditions deemed severe enough to present substantial threat to the life or health of homeless persons
  • At least one other shelter in South King County has been activated.

Overnight shelters are not operated during extreme heat / the warmer weather months.

For questions about severe weather shelter activation for our unhoused population, please contact our Human Services Division.

For other Severe Weather Shelters in King County, visit King County Regional Homeless Authority (KCRHA). In addition, visit Center of Hope for emergency shelter information.

 

Weather

Bus services

Disruptions to regular bus and transportation services are posted byKing County Metro.

 

Human Services

Some Renton residents may find their basic needs unmet as a result of an emergency. If temporary help is available, information will be posted here.

For additional resources and information visit the Human Services page.

 

Recreation programming

In the case of inclement weather (i.e. snow, flooding, heavy winds), the City of Renton recreation facilities and programming follow the guidelines established by the Renton School District (i.e. if school is two hours late, morning programs and activities are canceled).

Please call the city’s inclement weather line at 425-430-6719 for updated building and program information.