Historic flooding: Pierce County - Need to know

PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — KIRO 7 is keeping a close eye on the communities impacted by record flooding as Washington is under a state of emergency.

As of 10 p.m. on December 15, here is a look at the evacuations, displacements, and cleanup efforts in Pierce County, according to the county website:

Information

Rivers, creeks, and streams across Pierce County are expected to remain at elevated levels through the weekend. Forecasts indicate that another atmospheric river will move into the area on Monday.

While the Puyallup, Carbon, and Nisqually rivers have receded, the White River is still at minor flood stage and is expected to stay high for the coming weeks while the reservoir pool at Mud Mountain Dam is drawn down. Flood impacts to nearby properties, floodplains, and roads are possible today and over the weekend.

Bank erosion along rivers and creeks remains possible.

With additional rain arriving next week, those who live or work near rivers and creeks should monitor weather forecasts and expect continued impacts.

Additional landslides, downed trees, and utility lines are possible due to saturated soils.

Teams will continue to inspect flood risk reduction infrastructure such as levees and revetments for damage, monitor sites with water over the roadway and landslides, reopen roads as conditions allow, and make emergency repairs to river and road infrastructure as conditions and permitting allow.

Road Closures

Multiple road closures remain in effect due to landslides and roadway flooding. There are also numerous sites with water over the roadway countywide. As water recedes and infrastructure can be inspected, crews will reopen roads and remove “Water Over Road” warning signs. Please drive cautiously, leave early, take your time, and leave extra space between vehicles. Do not drive through standing water, near landslides, or around road closure barricades.

Visit www.PierceCountyWa.gov/RoadAlerts to check the most up-to-date status of these road closures.

Safety Tips

Stay away from river edges during and after high water events.
Don’t turn your back on the river and keep an eye out for debris.
Don’t drive or walk through flood waters, around road closure barricades, or near a landslide or downed utility lines.

Disaster Recovery

Pierce County residents, businesses, and public entities affected by recent flooding are encouraged to report damage. Reporting helps assess impacts and support recovery efforts. To report property damages and access recovery resources, click here.

For more information, please contact the Pierce County Damage Assessment Call Center at 866-798-6363. The call center will be staffed beginning Monday, December 15, 2025, with virtual office hours from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.