Whatcom County and City of Bellingham set up a joint emergency operations center at 9 pm last night to respond to flooding and other hazards resulting from the heavy rains and snow.  Small creeks and drainages swelled overnight and overtopped numerous roads forcing city, county and state authorities to close them and reroute drivers around the hazards.

Storm event update

Whatcom County and City of Bellingham set up a joint emergency operations center at 9 pm last night to respond to flooding and other hazards resulting from the heavy rains and snow.  Small creeks and drainages swelled overnight and overtopped numerous roads forcing city, county and state authorities to close them and reroute drivers around the hazards.

There has been no report of injuries, however there are residents sheltering in place and authorities are in contact with those residents to make sure they remain safe.

Whatcom County residents are asked to avoid driving through any water. The force of this water can be extremely strong and dangerous.

Watch out for workers in the roadway

Report landslides, flooded roadways or other hazards to the Joint Emergency Operations Center at 676-6681

Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies

Major Commute Detour

The City of Bellingham Public Works Department has closed Meridian at Interstate 5.  Both north and south bound lanes of Meridian are completely covered by water and pose a public safety risk.  All on and off ramps at I-5 and Meridian are also closed.  

The suggested detours for commuters are:  southbound traffic on Meridian should turn west onto Bakerview to Northwest Avenue;  northbound traffic on Meridian should turn west on Birchwood to Northwest. 

The Northwest Avenue and I-5 interchange is open.

A complete list of City & County road closures can be found at:  whatcomcounty.us/publicworks/roadclosures

1. Avoid driving through standing water.

2. Watch out for workers in the roadway.

3. Report landslides, flooded roadways or other hazards to the Whatcom County/City of Bellingham Joint Emergency Operations Center at 360 676-6681

Boil Water Advisory in Effect

Flooding has affected a number of homes, water sources, and both septic and sewage systems.  This has prompted concern by the Whatcom County Health Department that people take adequate precautions to avoid use of contaminated water.  The Health Department has provided information to assist those people whose water supplies have been affected by the flooding.  This information can be found on the Whatcom County Health Department website.

Boil Water Advisory in Effect

Recent flood events have resulted in high volumes of stormwater and sediment flowing into local streams and lakes, which may result in increased levels of bacterial contamination.  The Whatcom County Health Department is recommending that residents who obtain their drinking water directly from Lake Whatcom, Lake Samish, Cain Lake or other surface water sources boil water for one minute prior to consumption, until further notice.  Residents obtaining their water from a public water supply do not need to boil their water.

Also, due to a broken water main, the Acme water system has issued a boil water advisory for water users on Turkington Road, west of Hudson Road. 

Red Cross shelter opens in Nugent's Corner Fire Station

Press Release, Whatcom County Emergency Operations Center, 01/07/09 at 1:55 p.m.

The Red Cross has informed the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) that it will close its Kendall warming shelter at 3:00 p.m. this afternoon and will open another shelter at the Nugent's Corner Fire Station at 6:00 p.m.  Cots and food will be available at the Nugent's Corner shelter after that time.

Press Release, Whatcom County Emergency Operations Center, 01/07/09 at 4:05 p.m.

Numerous landslides have occurred on steep slopes in Whatcom County since Tuesday evening due to heavy rainfall on already saturated soil.  Such slides can pose a serious threat to life and property.  The threat of such slides will persist throughout and following the present storm event.  Persons who choose to remain in areas where steep slopes are present are advised to be aware of the possibility of dangerous landslides and debris flows, to be vigilant for signs of such landslides, and to take prompt action to protect their personal safety.

Iowa flooding may increase

The Public Works Department of the City of Bellingham is alerting businesses and residents in the low lying Iowa Street area between I-5 and Woburn Street of the potential for flooding over the next 48 hours. Residences, businesses and property owners should take precautions to protect vehicles and other property from water damage. The City is monitoring water levels, but asks that individuals do everything they can to protect their property. Sand and sandbags are available between 7:30 am and 4:30 pm at the Public Works Operations facility located at 2221 Pacific Street, or for after hours emergencies by calling Public Works at 778-7700

Housing for animals of flood victims

Press Release, Whatcom County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), 01/07/09 at 6:45 p.m.

The Red Cross has informed the EOC that the Whatcom County Humane Society, 733-2080 x3002, will provide "temporary housing" for small animals due to home evacuations.

If you need assistance transporting animals to the shelter, call the Humane Society and ask for an animal control officer so the officer can make arrangements with you to pick up the animals and have them transported.