Online misinformation about Washington state flood disaster surges
The waters have receded across Western Washington, but a new wave of confusion is brewing online. Earlier this month, AI-generated videos and conspiracy theories about the catastrophic floods received a lot of attention.
Pacific Ocean, Wash. – As floodwaters recede across Western Washington, misinformation persists on social media fueled by artificial intelligence, conspiracy theories and viral videos that authorities say can distort reality.
“In a world where we don't know what to believe, 'I saw it with my own two eyes' no longer holds true,” Kent Mayor Dana Ralph said. “Just because you see something doesn't make it real.”
AI-generated flood video spreads fear
The concerns first surfaced publicly in Kent about a week ago, when flooding was at its peak in the area. Mr Ralph said an AI-generated video circulating online was an incorrect depiction of the devastating flash floods in the Kent Valley.
“We saw a number of AI-generated videos from this event that claimed there was actually a flash flood,” Ralph said. “Walls of water coming down the Kent Valley. I've seen videos of houses floating, cars floating, people inside.”
Mayor Ralph said the videos contributed to fear and confusion during an already volatile emergency response.
Verified accounts amplify your claims
Even as evacuees return home and affected communities begin to dry up, misleading content continues to appear on social media feeds.
Some verified accounts, including one called “Spirit Mentor Jen Abra,” claimed to have predicted this disaster. She claimed in September that she had a “huge vision”.
Western Washington Floods December 2025
Other posts promoted conspiracy theories related to the floods, including a divine plan and deliberate profiteering.
Pacific Mayor refutes conspiracy theories
After seeing multiple posts online repeatedly, FOX 13 reached out to Pacific Coast Mayor Vic Cave. The city was one of the worst affected by flooded areas and emergency repairs along the White River. After seeing the profiteering conspiracy theory for himself, Cave refuted it outright.
“It's more of someone trying to stir the pot,” Cave said. “Pacific City, nothing is in your favor. When it comes to federal aid, the federal government is never going to cheer you up.”
Cave said flooding and levee failures are not the result of secret plots or hidden motives, but are long-standing problems related to infrastructure and policy.
He cited strict state regulations and aging flood protection systems as contributing factors.
Weather manipulation theory attracts attention
Another widely shared video suggested that weather manipulation, rather than the atmospheric river that brought heavy rain to the region, was causing bridges to collapse and levees to flood.
Cave said such content is often spread to get attention, not because it reflects reality.
“A lot of these people are looking for relevance,” he says. “They post this stuff online, and the more views and clicks it gets, the more they make a living doing it.”
Cave said misinformation is putting a strain on communities already working to recover.
“Think about it, we're trying to get back on our feet and we've put people out there who are trying to incite things to make people even more angry than they already are,” he said.
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