🌧️ Pierce County Braces for Storms, Flooding, and Power Outages

If you're in Pierce County or nearby South Sound communities, this is an important weather update to be aware of.

A powerful storm system is moving through Western Washington this week, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and a heightened risk of flooding, landslides, and power outages across the region.

While much of the South Sound is no stranger to winter weather, this latest system is shaping up to be especially disruptive, with several emergency alerts already issued.

🚨 Level 3 Evacuations Near White River Levee Breach
The most urgent situation is unfolding in the city of Pacific, near the Pierce–King County border.

A levee on the White River failed Tuesday morning, prompting a Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation order for more than 200 homes in the area.

Residents were instructed to evacuate immediately, and an emergency shelter has been established at:

City officials are continuing to monitor the river’s levels, and emergency crews are on-site helping residents affected by flooding.

💡 Power Outages Reported in Bonney Lake
Earlier this week, parts of Bonney Lake experienced power outages due to the initial round of wind and rain. While service has since been restored, utility crews are warning that more outages are likely as wind gusts increase later in the week.

Residents in Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, and DuPont are being urged to prepare for potential outages, especially overnight.

Now’s a good time to:

• Charge devices and backup batteries

• Restock flashlights, batteries, and blankets

• Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins

🌊 Flood Watch in Effect Through Thursday Afternoon
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood watch for much of Pierce County through Thursday afternoon.

Ongoing rain is contributing to rising river levels, especially in areas surrounding the Puyallup and White Rivers. With the ground already saturated from previous storms, low-lying areas and communities near riverbanks are at elevated risk.

Residents in flood-prone neighborhoods should remain alert and review local evacuation routes.

⚠️ Additional Hazards: Landslides & Mountain Snow
The NWS also issued warnings for:

• Landslides in hilly areas where soil is already soaked

• High wind alerts across much of the South Sound, including Tacoma and Lacey

• Blizzard conditions in the Cascades, with snow creating dangerous mountain pass travel

If you’re planning to head over the pass this weekend, check WSDOT’s road conditions first. Major delays and closures are possible.

🗣️ Community Response
Local agencies are urging residents to stay informed and take safety precautions:

Emergency responders across Pierce, Thurston, and King Counties are coordinating efforts to ensure shelters, sandbags, and aid are available if the situation worsens.

📍 Stay in the Know
We’ll continue tracking this story throughout the week. For the latest alerts, visit:

• weather.gov/seattle

• Local city and county Facebook pages

• Pierce County Emergency Management updates

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I’m Aaron Thomas, and every Friday I publish the South Sound Report, a free newsletter keeping you plugged into weather alerts, local events, business openings, and major headlines across Olympia, Tacoma, DuPont, Lakewood, and beyond.

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