WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — First responders were busy overnight dealing with downed trees blocking roads and causing property damage. In some cases, they needed to clear trees from roads in order to reach people with emergencies.
Whatcom County Public Works, as of 7am, reported the following road closures.
- Lake Whatcom Boulevard – from Cain Lake Road to north of Lake Louise Road (about 4 miles)
- Park Road – between Valley Highway (SR9) and Blue Canyon Road/S Bay Drive (about 3 miles)
- Mosquito Lake Road (MLR) – from Mt Baker Highway (SR542) to 5015 MLR and from 2372 MLR to Valley Highway (SR9)
About 9pm on Tuesday, November 20th, a vehicle was reportedly crushed by a fallen tree on the Mt Baker Highway. The sole occupant was able to get out and walk to safety. It was later reported multiple trees were blocking the roadway along with downed power lines in the same area.
There were multiple reports of several trees falling into houses and condominium buildings after 9pm, mostly in the Sudden Valley area. South Whatcom Fire Authority (SWFA) personnel were brought in to assist at least 1 occupant who was unable to get out of their house. SWFA reported this morning that there were no injuries to citizens or responders.
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Updated 2pm: Officials with SWFA provided the following information in a press release.
The event in Whatcom County appeared to be limited to the Sudden Valley area, with some lesser impacts in adjacent areas. We believe the windstorm produced unusually damaging winds due to an easterly wind direction that is not typical for our area, causing stress on trees that are normally exposed to more southerly and westerly wind patterns.
Our agency responded to 25 incidents from 7:00 PM on November 19th through 2:30 AM on November 20th. Three of those incidents were non-storm-related medical incidents, and the other 22 incidents were all storm related. We responded to multiple propane and natural gas leaks, multiple trees down on cars and buildings, and three incidents requiring assistance to extricate persons from buildings that were trapped. For context, our agency normally responds to an average of 25 incidents over a week’s time period.
Most importantly, we are happy to report there were no reported injuries or fatalities reported during this incident.
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Click for more informationWe know that there are many more homes, vehicles, and other property that were damaged in this storm than were reported to us. We continue to stress that residents stay vigilant of the hazards produced by this storm and report any life-threatening situations to 911. We urge residents to use vetted contractors for tree removal, home repairs, electrical work, and other repair trades to avoid injury or further damage.
– South Whatcom Fire Authority (November 20, 2024)
Multiple power outages were reported by Puget Sound Energy (PSE) as of 8am on Wednesday, November 21st, also mostly in the Sudden Valley area.
PSE says they are dealing with widespread power outages across their service area south of Whatcom County that have impacted roughly 500,000 customer addresses.
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The powerful winds have since subsided across Whatcom County. Gusts from the east and southeast between 20 and 35mph are expected to continue through Friday according to current weather forecasts.
A coastal flood advisory is in effect until 4pm today for coastal areas of San Juan County and western Whatcom County.
Minor coastal flooding due to tidal overflow is expected around high tide. This may lead to flooding of parking lots, parks, and roads, with only isolated road closures expected.
– National Weather Service (November 20, 2024)
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Bellingham School District announced they are operating on a regular schedule but that bus service to and from Sudden Valley.
Mount Baker School District reported all schools were open and operating on a planned late arrival schedule for Wednesdays. but buses on Mosquito Lake Road are on snow routes.
Whatcom Transportation Authority reported route 512 in Sudden Valley is turning around at Geneva Street.
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