More rain headed toward Whatcom County, as flood damage assessment begins from last storm
More rain is headed toward Western Washington this week, even as cleanup and damage assessments continue in northern Whatcom County cities hit hard by last week’s devastating floods.
Meanwhile, cleanup continued and damage assessment began Monday in the Whatcom County towns of Everson, Nooksack and Sumas — areas hardest hit when a torrent of water roared over the Nooksack River levee and inundated those areas.
Many roads remained closed and more schools opened Monday.
And hundreds of volunteers helped remove debris and waterlogged personal belongings at organized efforts in Everson, Nooksack and Sumas.
“What a day. We had over 600 volunteers in Everson and Nooksack and 500 in Sumas helping our community cleanup from the flood,” Everson Mayor John Perry said on Facebook.
Volunteers came from Anacortes, Ferndale, Lynden, Bellingham, and many other areas to help.
“We helped clean up over 170 homes, eclipsed 300 tons of waste disposed of, and made a big dent in the work that was needed to start the rebuilding process,” Perry said.
“I watched group after group of volunteers come back after a long day, covered in mud and smiles. Person after person came up to me overcome with emotions. They were heartbroken for the community and those who have lost so much, thankful for the opportunity to help, and overwhelmed by the show of love, support and caring that every single person there exhibited. Many people were helped and it was a blessing to the people who received it and those who gave,” he said.
Weather forecast
Rainfall this week shouldn’t be heavy enough to push the Nooksack River over its banks again, at least for now, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle and the Northwest River Forecast Center.
“For now, they are going to be holding under (flood levels),” meteorologist Maddie Kristell told The Bellingham Herald.
Rain is forecast Monday and Tuesday, with a bit of a break Wednesday, with only some isolated showers.
But a rainy, breezy storm arrives Thanksgiving Day and lasts into Friday, Kristell said.
Other storms are lining up behind the one expected to hit Thursday-Friday, and rain is in the forecast daily through at least Sunday.
Snow was forecast for the North Cascades, and about 6 inches of snow fell at the Mt. Baker Ski Area on Sunday, Nov. 21. But an opening date remained uncertain.
Damage assessment
Damage inspection is the first step toward obtaining a federal disaster declaration, which we make more funding available, Whatcom County officials said.
Gov. Jay Inslee promised state aid and other help for Whatcom County in a visit last week, and Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu and the County Council promised to help with cleanup and recovery.
Whatcom County residents who suffered flood-related damage and losses were urged to call 360-788-5311 and leave their name, address, and type of damage.
Whatcom County officials estimated last week that damages would total $7 to $10 million.
A collection site for flood-related debris was established at 3010 Halverstick Road. Enter on the north side of Halverstick Road, just east of Van Buren Road. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Meeting Wednesday
Local, state and federal officials plan a public informational meeting for 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24, at Nooksack Valley High School, 3326 E. Badger Road, Everson.
A live-streamed feed is planned for remote attendance but details weren’t finalized Monday.
Face masks will be required for in-person attendance.
Schools
Mount Baker schools opened for the first time in a week Monday, Nov. 22, although some bus routes still were affected by flooding.
Nooksack Valley schools will open Monday, Nov. 29 — after the four-day Thanksgiving break — but Sumas Elementary will remain closed, according to the school-district’s website.
“The flood damage at the current Sumas Elementary School is extensive and will not allow the district to safely host students at that building. To ensure Sumas students have a place to learn, Sumas students will attend school at a different Nooksack Valley schools,” the district said reported.
Roads, rail
About two dozen roads remain closed because of standing water or flood damage, the Whatcom County Public Works Department said on its website.
Rail traffic remained closed in Sumas after a BNSF freight train derailed in floodwaters.
State Highway 9 remained closed north of Nugents Corner and in Sumas.
Reese Hill Road (Highway 547) was closed south of Sumas.
In Bellingham, two bridges linking the northern end of the York neighborhood to other parts of the city were closed because of flood damage late Friday, Nov. 19, and detours sent traffic that normally uses Meador and James streets through residential streets.
Donations, scams
Funds to help those affected by flooding are being accepted through Whatcom Community Foundation’s Resilience Fund. To contribute, go online to https://bit.ly/3Ck86JW.
“Unfortunately at this difficult time there are those looking to benefit from others at their most vulnerable,” the Ferndale Police Department said at its Facebook page.
“We have had incidents of subjects contacting residents offering financial help for flood damage and then asking for personal bank information to transfer funds. This is not legitimate and is a scam to gain personal information to take rather than to give,” the post read.
In Everson, Perry also warned of possible crime and attempted fraud.
“Now is the time to be vigilant and lookout for your neighbor. There is unfortunately people who will take advantage of this situation,” he said.
“We are unaware of any actual burglaries to homes in the area. Please do not post on social media if you see something fishy, dial 911. We have asked our friends at the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Border Patrol Blaine Sector to assist in extra patrols,” he said.
Volunteers
“Thank you everyone for your continued support,” Sumas Mayor Kyle Christensen wrote on the city’s Facebook page.
Registration sheets were available for those who want to volunteer, and for residents who need any kind of help. Links were available at the City of Sumas page on Facebook.
“All volunteers will need to stop in at the check-in center on the corner of Cherry Street and Sumas Avenue when you first come in to town. From there, you will get your assignment and directions,” Christensen said.
Similar volunteer sign-up forms were linked at the Everson Police Department page on Facebook.
