Army Corps of Engineers helping North Sound communities ahead of atmospheric river

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping communities in the North Sound prepare for the next round of rain to hit Western Washington.

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The corps deployed flood teams to Whatcom and Skagit counties before Thanksgiving, delivering 120,000 sandbags to flood-affected communities over the past two weeks, according to a release.

RELATED: National Guard pre-deployed as Whatcom County prepares for weekend flooding

Officials said work has been completed in filling levee breaches in Whatcom County, which were caused by last week’s storms.

“Army Corps flood engineers are working side-by-side with local and state officials in a race against time to repair as much damage to levees before the next big storm system hits,” said Doug Weber, Seattle District’s chief of emergency management.

The Army Corps of Engineers Reservoir Control Center has also been activated to provide 24-hour operations to monitor any conditions and respond to forecasted flooding, the release stated.

For those needing sandbags, Whatcom County Public Works is making them available in Sumas and Everson at:

• 605 Robinson Street, Everson
• 143 Columbia Street, Sumas

Those living in unincorporated areas of Whatcom County who need sandbags may get them at either location or phone your closest municipality for instruction on how to get sandbags.

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