Local, State Resources Pre-Deployed, Ready To Respond During Weekend Storms
Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, along with personnel from local fire districts, other response personnel, and the Washington State National Guard are being pre-deployed in advance of this weekend’s storm systems. In addition, Whatcom County Public Works has sent additional sand and sandbag supplies to both Everson and Sumas.
At this point, the Nooksack River is projected to reach moderate flood stage on Sunday, Nov. 28. Damage to levee systems from previous storms may result in greater impacts to the floodplain areas than would typically be experienced at these river levels. There is much uncertainty as a result of last week’s flood flows. However, based on the latest flood models, Sunday morning’s predicted flows are likely high enough to overtop Main Street in Everson. Everson impacts could happen very early on Sunday morning. The potential also exists for this to impact Sumas.
National Guard troops are expected to arrive on Saturday and their mission is to assist local agencies. Specific mission objectives include sandbagging, transportation of supplies, and providing support to Nooksack, Sumas, and Everson.
“Since the flooding began, everyone from law enforcement and first responders to mayors, neighbors, and local agencies have been answering the call to help,” said Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo. “We welcome the news that members of the National Guard are ready to join in the response.”
Important Tips to Remember:
- Call 911 to report any flood-related emergencies. 911 operators have the ability to dispatch Public Works crews, in addition to other first responders such as police and fire departments.
- Call 911 if you believe a landslide has occurred or is occurring.
- Respect all Road Closed signs.
- Follow trusted sources of information. There are rumors that share inaccurate information. Please utilize the following sites as trusted sources of information:
Flood Impact Resources
- To report flood-related damage, regardless of whether or not this is covered by insurance, call 360-788-5311 or use the online damage assessment form to report damage at www.whatcomcounty.us/damageform.
- Whatcom County has set up a call center for people with limited internet access at 360- 788-5303. The call center is staffed daily, from 8 am-5 pm. Spanish language staff are available Monday-Friday. The call center can provide information on resources like shelters, food, debris drop-off locations, and sandbag locations.
- Read more about the steps to receive state and federal assistance.