By Pepper Fisher
CLALLAM COUNTY — Agencies throughout western Washington are warning of continued flooding and the potential for more power outages today, including here in Clallam County, as a so-called atmospheric river delivers more rain to the region.
In the west end of Clallam County many residents are suffering severe weather-related emergencies. Paul Kelly from the County’s Emergency Operations Center gave us this update.
“So there are a couple of bed and breakfasts along the Bogachiel, that have people in them, that they are currently being rescued. The fire district out there is coordinating that. A couple other waterways in the West End are the ones experiencing the most flooding. And so, with the road closures and due to flooding and landslides, it’s been challenging to get to folks. So we’ve actually called in for helicopters from the Navy, I believe out of Oregon, and the Coast Guard is also coordinating with us.”
There is massive flooding in some areas and the highways leading in and out of the West end are closed due to water over roadways and landslides. We spoke with Sgt. Darren Wright with the Washington State Patrol this morning.
“The biggest one is Highway 101 between milepost 220 and 231 due to water over the roadway. There’s another closure at milepost 76 right on the Clallam Jefferson County line by the Hoh River, that’s closed due to water over the roadway. And then some of the other side highways that are closed at the moment is Highway 112 between mileposts 20 and 29 due to water over the roadway. And then Highway 113 at milepost 3 is also closed due to water and flooding. And then I believe this might be just outside of your county, but Highway 110 at milepost 8 is also closed to the water over the roadway and flooding.”
Jim Fetzer from Clallam Transit called in to tell us they have suspended bus service due to those road closures.
“We are shutting down service in Forks. 101 is closed at Sol Duc. Water’s coming over the highway, and then 112 closed and we can’t get out to Clallam Bay and Forks is experiencing flooding. So we’re shutting down services today in Forks and also our Route 14 that connects Forks and Port Angeles, we’re only traveling as far west as Shadow Mountain on 101.”
Fetzer says passengers should back in the morning to see when and where service has resumed.
The National weather service says heavy rain is expected to continue into the evening. Rivers throughout the region are cresting beyond their banks already but are not expected to crest at their highest levels until tomorrow, into the afternoon.
Kelly says east end rivers are not expected to flood, but there are some other issues to be aware of.
“The Elwha and Dungeness were originally anticipated to flood, but the current prediction is that they will not. However, on the eastern part of the county and out to Port Townsend, they will be experiencing a lot of high winds from both the south and the west. And this may lead to downed trees and power outages.”
There is also a coastal flood warning in effect, with high tides expected to be 1-1.5 feet above the predicted levels on tide charts.
And Clallam County PUD says, effective immediately, they’re asking all Clallam Bay/Sekiu Water Customers to reduce water use as much as possible. This is due to electrical and communication failures at the Hoko Pump Station related to the excessive rains and flooding in the area. They say it’s imperative that adequate water levels are maintained in the reservoirs serving the Clallam Bay/Sekiu Area.
The PUD will notify customers when the pump station has been brought back online and the Alert is no longer in effect, but customers should conserve water wherever possible until further notice.
Officials are urging west end residents in low-lying areas to find higher ground to be safe.
They say if you have a NON-emergency call looking for assistance or information you can call the Clallam County EOC at 360 565-2684. They ask that you Do NOT call 9-1-1 unless you are reporting a life-threatening emergency.
Folks are reminded, DO NOT ATTEMPT to cross flooded roadways.