Significant Issues:
1. Nearly all schools are again closed across Whatcom County.2. Snowfall has ended, although we can expect snow showers through tomorrow in some areas, particularly the foothills and mountains of Whatcom County.
3. There is a high concern for frost and ice overnight into Friday, January 17.
4. Temperatures are trending up, but may fall again into the 20s today and tonight.
5. Puget Sound Energy crews have been aggressive and dedicated in restoring services across Whatcom County with only about 250 customers not yet restored, a drop of 2,000 since 3 a.m. today.
6. Many roads are still either closed or restricted due to fallen trees and power lines.
7. The National Weather Service in their King Tide forecast has found that the storm surge model has changed overnight and a high tide at Cherry Point and is now forecast to be 11.58 feet. Areas that may see impacts are Birch Bay Drive – particularly along Terrell Creek – Point Roberts, and Semiahmoo Spit coinciding with the 10 a.m. high tide.
8. The lower mainland has also posted coastal flooding concerns for Boundary Bay and Point Roberts.
9. Whatcom County Search and Rescue 4x4 Volunteers have been busy providing emergency transport since Sunday and are activated through the weekend. They currently have responded to over 30 requests.
10. Winter shelters have been opened for homeless and at-risk populations in Bellingham.
11. Washington Department of Transportation is reporting compact snow and ice on all state roads in Whatcom County; crews are out. Chains are required from Maple Falls to the Mount Baker Ski Area with upwards of a foot of new snow since yesterday.
12. Response times which were impacted by downed trees, road conditions and downed power lines are beginning to return to normal.
Whatcom County Response:
1. Whatcom County Public Works and the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management are still working around the clock on this winter storm. Road Closures can be monitored at the Whatcom County Public Works site.
2. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management remains activated at level II and is monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond as necessary to requests for assistance as needed. The Incident Hotline can be contacted at 360/738-4551, and whatcomcounty.us/2517/Incident-Hotline is being updated as conditions change.
3. Bellingham Fire Department has positioned Medic 5 in Lynden to support the North County.
4. The Washington State Military Department Emergency Management Division has issued an Incident Number: 20-0050. All public agencies, including special districts, should begin tracking any applicable overtime, emergency expenditures or damages against Incident Number 20-0050 in preparation for requesting public assistance, and to document the cost(s) related to this event.
5. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management is responsible for the collection of all public damage figures and will issue a request for costs if appropriate.
A frigid arctic outflow, snowstorm, high winds, tides and waves all combined to make for a rocky week in Point Roberts and the surrounding region. Along with the low temperatures, grease ice formed on the shores of Maple Beach. Photo by Jeff Ferguson
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