Flooding forces Blaine and Birch Bay road closures

Local officials encourage drivers to stay home

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Many Blaine and Birch Bay roads are closed this morning, Monday, November 15, due to flooding. Blaine Police Department is encouraging drivers to stay home because of tree debris and large pools of water.

Blaine Police Department has closed the 800 block of Alder Street near Mitchell Street, the 2200 block of Dodd Street, the 1300 block of Pipeline Road near Yew Avenue, and 4th Street between Cherry and Boblett streets, BPD spokesperson Brent Greene told The Northern Light in an email.

Although these roads aren’t closed, Greene said to also avoid H Street near SR-543; Dodd Street near Wilson Avenue; the 5700 block of Semiahmoo Drive, where a large pond is flooding the nearby neighborhood; Drayton Harbor Road from Gate 2 to the intersection of Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo Parkway; Harborview Drive at Drayton Harbor; and a pond on Mallard Road is overflowing onto Semiahmoo Parkway, down the hill that leads to the spit.

“The county is flood everywhere and resources are spread thin between public works and law enforcement. There are already multiple vehicle accidents everywhere,” Greene said. “There are so many hazards that only the really bad ones are being addressed, the small level ones are not getting attention but they are still dangerous to drivers.”

As for Birch Bay and Custer, Whatcom County Public Works Department is reporting Bruce Road is closed north of Bay Road and the 8400 block of Delta Line Road is closed.

Driving past a road closure sign is a $500 fine, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO). The WCSO Division of Emergency Management reports continued rainfall is expected into the afternoon of Monday, November 15.

“All residents in low-lying areas, including Everson, Nooksack, Sumas, and Marietta should be ready for rising waters, be clear about exit routes, and prepare for the possibility of multiple days of high water. Be prepared to evacuate if flood conditions worsen,” the WCSO reports.

As of 9 a.m. this morning, about 70 water rescues had occurred in Whatcom County. Winds had also caused power outages throughout the county.

To view road closures throughout Whatcom County, visit bit.ly/3HjbU1X. WCSO asks that anyone who believes they are in danger to call 911 and those who need to report non-emergencies call 360/788-5311.

Blaine school district also announced an early release for 11:30 a.m. Students who don’t have adults who can pick them up will stay at school.

“School closures always create difficulties for families, and closures do not occur unless believed to be absolutely necessary,” the school district wrote in its announcement. “We will be working closely with any family who needs assistance today.”

Heavy rainfall has also postponed the railroad work at Peace Portal Drive and Bell Road until after Thanksgiving, according to Washington State Department of Transportation. The three-day intersection closure was scheduled to start Tuesday, November 16.

“Hydroplaning is a real issue on any amount of water. Slow down. Don’t pass a car because you think they are going too slow,” Greene said. “This happened out in the county and the car that passed another one ended up in a rollover accident. Do not cross moving water. Even a few inches of water can be powerful enough to move a vehicle.”

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