A new round of river flooding has begun to affect the Everson area, with floodwaters affecting the city early this afternoon. The Whatcom County Public Works River and Flood Division is monitoring floodwater as it moves towards Sumas.
A recommended evacuation for areas of Everson and Nooksack impacted by the “Super Bowl” 2020 flood, and for anyone in the City of Sumas, remains in effect. Much of the floodplain’s water storage capability is already depleted, so impacts from river flooding may occur more quickly than in past floods.
Members of the National Guard are stationed in both Everson and Sumas. They have been working to fill and deliver sandbags and provide other community assistance. Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue personnel are pre-staged and standing by if water rescues are needed.
River flood models continue to fluctuate. Current predictions show the river cresting at Cedarville around 10 p.m. tonight, and cresting at Ferndale around 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 29. There is much uncertainty with how changes to the river channel, damages to the levee system and depleted floodplain storage may impact the flooding that results from this storm.
For those who will be displaced by this new flooding, the American Red Cross is operating a shelter at the Mount Baker Rotary Building, 1775 Front St., Lynden. This shelter is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A Ferndale area overnight shelter has also been set up from 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 28 to 8 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 29, at Christ Lutheran Church, 5904 Vista Dr, Ferndale.
In addition to river flooding, the county is experiencing significant standing water and ponding issues that are affecting roadways, and in some cases, homes and other buildings. The soil is saturated. Water retention ponds, culverts, and ditches are full or overflowing. These conditions also increase the likelihood of landslides.
Call 911 to report any flood-related emergencies or if you believe a landslide has occurred or is occurring.
Please utilize the following sites as trusted sources of information:
Flood Impact Resources
- The flood response call center is open from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. every day at 360-788-5303. Staff are prepared to respond to calls regarding:
- How to get help (food, shelter, sandbagging, cleanup)
- Current road conditions, shelter status
- Reports on conditions from around the county (loose cattle, debris, infrastructure)
- Resources available
- Whatcom County has created a central website for all flood-related resources at www.whatcomcounty.us/flood.
- To report flood-related damage, regardless of whether or not this is covered by insurance, use the County's online form at https://www.whatcomcounty.us/damageform or call 360-788-5311 and leave a message.
- Read more about the steps to receive state and federal assistance if you were affected by flooding.