Several roads in Kent have reopened as river levels continue to recede and flood conditions improve, according to an update issued Sunday morning, Dec. 21, 2025 by the City of Kent.
City officials said conditions are trending in the right direction after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers further reduced outflows from the Howard Hanson Dam. The reduced releases are helping lower river levels and decreasing the risk of additional flooding.
Kent officials said they are aware of flood alerts in neighboring jurisdictions along the White River. While those areas are outside Kent city limits, city teams remain in close coordination with regional partners and continue to actively monitor local conditions.
Roadway Updates
According to the city, the following roadways have reopened as conditions improve:
Now Open:
- Westbound S 277th St from 108th Ave SE to 83rd Ave S / Auburn Way N
- Eastbound S 277th St from 108th Ave SE to Kent city limits
- Green River Rd from the S 277th St overpass to Kent city limits
- Frager Rd at W Meeker St
- Russell Rd at Veteran’s Drive
- 148th Ave SE from SE 256th St to SE 249th St
Open with Water Over the Roadway:
- W Valley Hwy / 68th Ave S / Washington Ave S from Willis St to S 277th St (Proceed with caution.)
Full Road Closures:
- S 262nd St from 78th Ave S to 27232 72nd Ave S (just before S 272nd St)
- 78th Ave S from S 277th St to S 262nd St
Traffic control is in place, and alternate routes are advised.
Crews are continuing real-time monitoring and response in the field. Conditions may still change, so please stay alert.
For the latest road closures, flood resources, and updates:
www.kentwa.gov/emergency
Sign up for Drive Kent Alerts to receive real-time travel updates.
Reminder: Please do not drive around road-closed signage. Failure to obey traffic control devices (RCW 46.61.050) carries a $139 fine.
Message from Mayor Dana Ralph
“Flooding risks have dropped significantly as water levels in the Green River continue to fall. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has slowed releases from the Howard Hanson Dam, and in some areas the river has already receded back to surrounding ground levels. We expect levels to continue dropping in the days ahead.
“While it’s still important to stay alert, please know that city teams have been working around the clock to protect residents, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
“Many streets that were previously flooded have now reopened, and I’m also happy to share that the Riverbend Golf Course Driving Range and Pro Shop are back open.
“With the holidays just around the corner, this is a great time to support our local shops and restaurants as we move toward recovery together. Thank you for your patience, resilience, and continued care for one another during this week.”
