Ferndale neighbors are no strangers to river flooding events and the recent forecast for minor flooding would likely be easily prepared for. But combined with local heavy rains and already saturated soil, neighbors miles away from the river found nearby creeks breaching their banks and low-lying areas flooded posing problems for property owners and drivers.
For example, Ferndale neighbor Rikki Smeltzer returned from running errands to discover Elder Road by Douglas Road covered by fast moving water from a nearby creek that had breached its banks. Only an hour before, according to Smeltzer, the road had been simply wet from rain. “I’ve seen it over the road before, but not like that!” Smeltzer told Discover Ferndale.
A Ferndale weather station recorded 1.44 inches of rainfall from midnight to midnight yesterday. In comparison, a typical rainy day in Ferndale results in less than a quarter inch of rainfall.
The usual road closures began yesterday with Barrett & Paradise Roads closed, Marine Drive and Ferndale Road (south of Slater) closed. And there are many instances of water over roadways without the roads being closed. Not all instances of water on roadways are marked with signage so drivers should be alert.
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Click for more informationSlater Road east of the Nooksack River bridge had water reaching into the eastbound lane about 9pm yesterday and by this morning it was across the entire roadway and a 5mph speed limit was being imposed in the flood area. UPDATE: Slater Road was closed about 7:30am.
The Nooksack River level forecast expects the river to continue rising until approximately 6pm today when it is expected to crest at just over 18 feet (a foot below the official flood stage of 19 feet).