SEATTLE -- The Army Corps of Engineers warned the Interim King County Executive Wednesday that the Howard Hanson dam, which controls the water flow for the Green River, may release more water than usual in the coming months, reported KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.

The Army Corps predict up to 4 feet of floodwater this fall and they warn that the flood waters could cover many miles-from Kent, Auburn, and beyond, reported the Interim King County Executive Kurt Triplett.

“We’re talking about the heart of the aerospace industry and many retail areas,” said Triplett. “Most of the major trucking and distribution goes through there so this is of significant economic consequence.”

Engineers reported that the Howard Hanson dam cannot be fixed before this fall and hard rains could potentially release enough water to force thousands of people from their homes.

King County officials began to brainstorm Wednesday how to prepare for such as situation and suggested the use of sandbags to build walls where the dam appears to be weak.

Triplett urged everyone to pay attention and to recognize the severity of the situation.