WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — KIRO 7 is keeping a close eye on the communities impacted by record flooding as Washington is under a state of emergency.
As of 10 p.m. on December 15, here is a look at the evacuations, displacements, and cleanup efforts in Whatcom County, according to Whatcom County Emergency Management:
Impacts
- There were more than 20 water rescues throughout Everson, Nooksack, and Sumas on Wednesday night, Dec. 10. On Thursday night, Search and Rescue had over 40 calls for rescue.
- The wastewater treatment plant that serves Everson and Nooksack was shut down during active flooding. Staff are assessing the repair to restore service.
- The region’s only feed mill, in Sumas, was impacted by flooding up to 6’.
Road Closures
- Check the County’s road closure list here and check the interactive closure map here.
- Many roads and bridges have infrastructure damage due to flooding. Those will not be reopened until inspections have determined that they are sound.
- Mosquito Lake Road in east county is closed until damage assessment is complete on portions of the roadway that were underwater.
Need to Know
Impacted residents are encouraged to clear out flood debris, if they are able to return home, especially before mold can set in. There are three county debris management sites:
- 9626 Swanson Rd (intersection of Swanson and Halverstick) 7 a.m. to7 p.m. daily
- RDS Disposal, 4916 LaBounty Drive, Ferndale, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Republic Services, 1524 Slater Road, Ferndale, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
When dropping off debris, please pre-sort: appliances and hazardous materials must be separated. Some debris cannot be accepted: tires or vehicles, asbestos, machinery or mechanical parts, woody debris, or regular trash.
Damage assessment has begun. To qualify for state or federal funds, it is essential to follow their regulations for reporting damage and to submit those reports through the county DEM. If using other agencies for this process, please ensure DEM (Dept. of Emergency Management) receives your report.
Resources
Flood Call Center
Those in need or who have resources to share, call the Flood Incident Call Center at (360) 788-5303. The Call Center is accessible in both English and Spanish.
If you’ve been displaced by flooding, you can also visit Whatcom Ready to complete an “Emergency Sheltering Needs” form.
Shelters
Two shelters are closing. Those with continuing need for shelter are asked to phone the Flood Call Center at (360) 788-5303.
Emergency Childcare
Emergency childcare from licensed providers is available to impacted families. Register at www.childcarespaces.com.
Information
Check the Whatcom Ready Facebook page and the Whatcom Ready website for essential updates and information. And continue to monitor the National Weather Service for changing weather conditions.
Find a link to post-flood drinking water tips for well users.
Find a link to free disposal of flood-damaged home and business items.
For the latest updates from Whatcom County Emergency Management, click here.
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