AUBURN, Wash. — Residents and businesses in Auburn faced a dire situation Saturday night after a Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuation notice was issued due to severe and rapidly worsening flooding.

The affected area included locations south of S 277th St., east of SR 167, west of the Green River, and north of 42nd St. NE, encompassing the Trail Run community, Copper Gate Apartments, and surrounding neighborhoods.

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Authorities urged immediate evacuation and emphasized that conditions were dangerous and access routes were being lost, stating,”Do not wait. Leave now,” in the notification.

Residents were advised not to head north, as routes such as Auburn Way North, B Street NW, I Street NE, and SR 167 were unreliable or impassable. Those in the Trail Run community were instructed to evacuate east on S. 277th St. toward Lea Hill and then proceed north.

Evacuees were instructed to take only essential items, including medications, important documents, pets, and phone chargers.

Importantly, residents are warned against driving or walking through floodwaters and are reminded, “Turn around, don’t drown.”

Shelter is available at the Auburn Community and Event Center, located at 910 9th St. SE, and Ray of Hope at 2806 Auburn Way N. For those needing emergency evacuation assistance, calling 911 is advised.

On Sunday, residents on the west side of Green River, south of 24th St. NE, east of M St. NE, and north of 4th St. NE, and surrounding neighborhoods were reissued a Level 2 (Get Set) notice. Residents on the east side of Green River along 104th Ave. SE south of 24th St. NE and north of 4th St. NE. were also placed under this notice.

Emergency officials said the water had risen to some doors on the east side of the river and was moving close to homes on the west side of the river.

Officials asked people in these areas to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice, and stressed that evacuees should not or walk through moving water or flooded roadways.

Further updates and shelter information can be found HERE.

City crews and regional partners are working tirelessly, but there is no guarantee that flood control efforts will succeed. Conditions are rapidly changing and could deteriorate without warning. Residents are urged not to delay and to leave immediately, while continuing to monitor official City of Auburn updates.