Big soaker on the way

From the County Emergency Management: According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, an extremely large storm will impact all of Western Washington beginning Saturday afternoon and last until late Monday. This will be the wettest storm in more than 2 years to approach the area. A Flood Watch will be issued for all of Western Washington later today. The storm will begin from the South and is forecast to bring 8-10 “ of rain to the Olympic Mountains, 6-8” for the Northern Cascades and 3-5” for the Central Cascades. Grays Harbor County is predicted to receive over 3” of rain throughout the event. At this time, models are predicting that the storm will last until late Monday, however if the storm stalls in the area, rainfall totals could be significantly higher.  All rivers and streams in the County could reach flood levels due to the large amount of rainfall predicted. Urban &small streams could see flash flooding during the event. The other concern is the likelihood of landslides lasting until late next week.
Grays Harbor County Emergency Management is urging all citizens to be alert for quick changing river conditions which could flood low lying areas and roadways. Learn the warning signs for landslides. The storm also has the potential for power outages in the County. Please DO NOT use portable generators indoors. DO NOT refuel indoors. NEVER use charcoal to cook or heat indoors. NEVER use your range or oven to heat your home.
Prepare your family in the event you must leave your home. Prepare with food and water for your family and pets to last a few days. Refuel your generators. Notify your neighbors, especially the elderly and special needs families.
Flood Watch (NOAA)
A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Landslide Warning Signs  (from the USGS)
·         Springs, seeps, or saturated ground in areas that have not typically been wet before.
·         New cracks or unusual bulges in the ground, street pavements or sidewalks.
·         Soil moving away from foundations.
·         Ancillary structures such as decks and patios tilting and/or moving relative to the main house.
·         Tilting or cracking of concrete floors and foundations.
·         Broken water lines and other underground utilities.
·         Leaning telephone poles, trees, retaining walls or fences.
·         Offset fence lines.
·         Sunken or down-dropped road beds.
·         Rapid increase in creek water levels, possibly accompanied by increased turbidity (soil content).
·         Sudden decrease in creek water levels though rain is still falling or just recently stopped.
·         Sticking doors and windows, and visible open spaces indicating jambs and frames out of plumb.
·         A faint rumbling sound that increases in volume is noticeable as the landslide nears.
·         Unusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together, might indicate moving debris.
Areas that are generally prone to landslide hazards
·         On existing old landslides.
·         On or at the base of slopes.
·         In or at the base of minor drainage hollows.
·         At the base or top of an old fill slope.
·         At the base or top of a steep cut slope.
·         Developed hillsides where leach field septic systems are used.
Areas that are typically considered safe from landslides
·         On hard, non-jointed bedrock that has not moved in the past.
·         On relatively flat-lying areas away from sudden changes in slope angle.
·         At the top or along the nose of ridges, set back from the tops of slopes.

Charles T Wallace
Deputy Director of Emergency Management
Grays Harbor County
(360) 249-3911 x 290
cwallace@co.grays-harbor.wa.us

http://www.co.grays-harbor.wa.us/info/DEM/Index.asp