Flood and Winter Weather Preparation

Whatcom County is under a Flood Watch until late Friday night,urban flooding is possible. Whatcom County Public Works reminds county residents to make sure their culverts are free of leaves and debris to prevent flooding.

This is an excellent time for all individuals, families, businesses and schools to review their winter weather preparedness plans and if you don't have one to prepare one. It is especially important for persons new to the region to become familiar with NOAA's National Weather Service Watch and Warning definitions, as well as winter weather safety procedures. On Jan. 30, 1969.a whopping 34 inches of snow fell in Eugene Oregon in only 24 hours!

Winter in the Pacific Northwest can be quite hazardous, with snow and ice in the mountains, heavy rains on the coast, and even biting cold with dangerous wind chill across the northern part of Whatcom County. Many parts of western Whatcom County are subject to flooding. All areas of the Pacific Northwest have experienced nearly every type of winter weather possible, from blizzards to ice, from flooding rains to biting cold.

Each year, dozens of Americans die due to prolonged exposure to the cold. Major winter storms can last several days, and be accompanied by strong winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall, cold temperatures, and various forms of flooding. Heavy snow in the mountains is important for the skiing and snowboard industry, and for filling reservoirs. However, these storms also produce travel dangers and create life threatening conditions.

Whatcom County Public Works crews are preparing for what this winter brings to Whatcom County. Citizens should be aware of the following:

• Emergency Information: Will be available on the Whatcom County Website
• Snow Plow Priority: Snow plow priority routes will be published on the county web site
• Sanding: Crews sand hills, curves and intersections only.
• Road Closures: Roads  generally will not be closed due to snowdrifts, deep snow or extreme ice. Drivers should remember because a road has been sanded or plowed or remains open doesn’t necessarily mean travel conditions are safe.
• Flooding: Never go around road closures in a flood, the road could be washed out or other hazards could be present.
• Sandbags: Sandbags must be purchased from a private source until an Emergency Declaration is made by the County Executive.
• Driveway Culverts: Clearing your driveway culvert is your responsibility
• Windstorm: Downed trees with power lines must be reported to the utility company. Never cut a downed tree from the power line, the line must be removed first.

These are just a few reminders from your Whatcom County public Works Department who are preparing for a winter in Whatcom County.

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