Topic: Weather
Disaster Cash Assistance Program
Written on November 26, 2021 at 5:34 am, by Tim Dustrude
The following was shared with you by Northwest Workforce Council… The Department of Social and Health Services has activated the Disaster Cash Assistance Program, or DCAP, to serve people affected by severe weather events. Households impacted by floods, landslides, mudslides and other hazardous events in the 14 counties included in Governor Inslee’s November 15, 2021, Continue Reading
Prepare Your Property for the Next Big Rain Event
Written on November 24, 2021 at 5:47 am, by Tim Dustrude
The massive rain event last week caused a wide range of impacts in the county and caught many islanders off-guard. The severe weather was caused by an atmospheric river: a long, narrow band of water vapor that often is released as rain or snow when it makes landfall. While the scope and damage may be Continue Reading
Quick Update on Point Lawrence Road Repairs
Written on November 22, 2021 at 9:30 pm, by Tim Dustrude
This is from the SJC Dept. of Emergency Management… Things are looking good for a potential opening tomorrow (Tuesday – knock on wood). Public Works is awaiting delivery of barriers for the road edge that are due to arrive on the 5:30am ferry on Tuesday from Anacortes. Once those are placed and final site work Continue Reading
Crow Valley Road Closure
Written on November 19, 2021 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
Due to erosion having caused cavities beneath the roadbed, Crow Valley Road on Orcas Island will be closed to west-bound traffic (traffic heading away from Eastsound towards Island Hardware) between Orcas Road (Fowler’s Corner) and West Beach Road (Island Hardware). East-bound traffic is not impacted at this time. The closure will last at least into Continue Reading
Land Bank Preserves Closed due to Severe Weather
Written on November 16, 2021 at 11:05 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Conservation Land Bank’s Turtleback Mountain, Judd Cove and Coho Preserves on Orcas Island sustained heavy damage from last weekend’s record rainfall. Although staff are prioritizing safety-related repairs to roads and trails, please expect minor disruptions. Some repairs may take months and some impacts will be lasting. In particular, the culvert under Wildrose Lane just Continue Reading
Several State Highways in Whatcom and Skagit Counties Closed due to Flooding
Written on November 15, 2021 at 5:13 pm, by Tim Dustrude
BURLINGTON – Record rainfall caused flooding in several parts of Whatcom and Skagit counties, forcing closures of several state highways. Washington State Department of Transportation crews worked through the weekend and continue to work to clear fallen trees and rockslides, but in some areas such as along State Route 20 between Cascadia Farms (MP 98) to Continue Reading
Emergency!
Written on November 15, 2021 at 5:08 pm, by Tim Dustrude
San Juan County Council Special Meeting – Declaring State of Emergency The San Juan County Council will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at 8 am, to consider a Resolution declaring a State of Emergency. The severe weather system that passed over San Juan County on November 14th and 15th, 2021, dropped a Continue Reading
Road Conditions Update
Written on November 15, 2021 at 12:53 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Extremely heavy rains have fallen across the islands over the last 24 hours, causing a wide range of impacts to San Juan County roads and infrastructure. Public Works crews from both the County and the Town of Friday Harbor have been responding since late last night. Orcas Island in particular has experienced a number of Continue Reading
Be Careful Out There!
Written on November 15, 2021 at 9:11 am, by Tim Dustrude
This just came in from SJC Dept. of Emergency Management… Heavy rain is causing challenging conditions on island roads. Drive with extreme caution and expect water and/or debris in roads. Point Lawrence Road on Orcas is washed out just past Doe Bay Resort (picture above). Public Works, Emergency Management, and Orcas Island Fire & Rescue Continue Reading
Severe Weather Shelter Orientation/Training
Written on November 8, 2021 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Friends, it’s that time of year, where the “suggestion” of very cold weather is loud and clear! We are hoping to put together a team of volunteers to open the Severe Weather Shelter this year. Can you come to an Orientation/Training? It’s on Saturday, N0vember 13 from 9am to 11am at Islands Community Church. (that’s Continue Reading
Fall Colors
Written on November 1, 2021 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
Shannon Dean shares this photo of fall colors on a beautiful last day of October here in Friday Harbor. Thanks for sharing Shannon!
Windy Cattle Point
Written on October 26, 2021 at 5:52 am, by Tim Dustrude
Local photographer extraordinaire John Miller shares this photo with you of the first big winter storm to hit San Juan Island in 2021. This was shot near Cattle Point on Monday, Oct. 25. Click on the photo to see the full, uncropped image. Thanks for sharing John!
Strong Winds Coming
Written on October 23, 2021 at 11:57 am, by Tim Dustrude
The National Weather Service is calling for strong winds in the islands Sunday and Monday. Winds are forecast to be strongest at the south end of San Juan and Lopez Islands, with possible gusts to 60mph, and perhaps as high as 70mph. Winds will be slightly less in other locations. This amount of wind is Continue Reading
Town requests citizen assistance ahead of storm event
Written on October 23, 2021 at 10:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
Town citizens are asked to help keep street gutters and storm drains clear of fall leaves and debris before the heavy winds and rainfall predicted over the coming week. Clogged street gutters can result in storm water overflow and potential flooding. “Our streets crew works extremely hard to keep the streets clean and clear, but Continue Reading
Are you ready for power outage season? Winter is coming!
Written on October 4, 2021 at 9:41 am, by Tim Dustrude
OPALCO can help you prepare As we approach the winter storm season, it is a good time to think about being ready for potential power outages: replenish your battery supply, fill up your gas tank (or charge up your EV) and make sure your phones and computers are fully charged – and you should know Continue Reading
OPALCO Restores Power After 18-Hour Outage
Written on January 16, 2021 at 5:00 am, by Hayley Day
From OPALCO In the early morning hours of Wednesday, Jan. 13, a big storm hit the Northwest region of Washington state with wind gusts of 50-65 mph in the San Juan Island area. By 1 a.m., all of San Juan County was without power after large trees fell onto the Puget Sound Energy lines feeding Continue Reading
Severe Weather Shelter To Reopen
Written on November 8, 2020 at 5:00 am, by Hayley Day
By Winnie Brumsickle, Coordinator, Friday Harbor Severe Weather Shelter Together with United Way of San Juan County and other supporters, “Out of the Cold” Friday Harbor Severe Weather Shelter will continue for another season. The shelter will provide overnight shelter to vulnerable people in Friday Harbor during periods of extremely cold weather, from about Nov. Continue Reading
Low Visibility
Written on October 4, 2020 at 9:47 am, by Tim Dustrude
Ever wonder why fog makes the ferries late? Art Smith shares this photo taken from the car deck in his vehicle (that’s his dashboard at bottom of the photo)on Saturday afternoon. – A ferry crew member on fog watch for any potential obstacles that radar won’t pick up. Thanks for sharing Art!
San Juan Island – County Roads
Written on February 7, 2020 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
San Juan County Public Works continues to monitor and respond to the ongoing rain and flooding events appearing along County Roads. The following two locations may continue to have restrictions posted or may be closed to vehicle traffic entirely. Bailer Hill Rd (west of False Bay Dr) San Juan Valley Rd (west of Douglas Rd) Continue Reading
Tuesday Morning Snow
Written on February 5, 2020 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
This is what the view looked like at the top of Hillview Terrace outside Dot Vandaveer’s window on Tuesday morning. Thanks for sharing the photo Dot!
Heavy Rain Forecast
Written on February 5, 2020 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Recent intense rains caused widespread impacts across the islands due to erosion, runoff, and blocked culverts and drains. Those who experienced damage should be aware that there’s more heavy rain in the forecast starting later Tuesday through Friday. It is almost impossible to forecast the sort of high intensity rainfall that we saw a few Continue Reading
Transition San Juan Island
Written on February 3, 2020 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Mission Statement: Creating conditions for community resilience and regeneration in a rapidly changing world We have set the next meeting of Transition San Juan Island for Sunday, March 1, 2020 from 3-6 PM at the Mullis Center. The purpose is for each action group to complete their Vision Statement. So when you arrive at 3, Continue Reading
Disaster Cash Assistance Program
Written on November 26, 2021 at 5:34 am, by Tim Dustrude
The following was shared with you by Northwest Workforce Council… The Department of Social and Health Services has activated the Disaster Cash Assistance Program, or DCAP, to serve people affected by severe weather events. Households impacted by floods, landslides, mudslides and other hazardous events in the 14 counties included in Governor Inslee’s November 15, 2021, Continue Reading
Prepare Your Property for the Next Big Rain Event
Written on November 24, 2021 at 5:47 am, by Tim Dustrude
The massive rain event last week caused a wide range of impacts in the county and caught many islanders off-guard. The severe weather was caused by an atmospheric river: a long, narrow band of water vapor that often is released as rain or snow when it makes landfall. While the scope and damage may be Continue Reading
Quick Update on Point Lawrence Road Repairs
Written on November 22, 2021 at 9:30 pm, by Tim Dustrude
This is from the SJC Dept. of Emergency Management… Things are looking good for a potential opening tomorrow (Tuesday – knock on wood). Public Works is awaiting delivery of barriers for the road edge that are due to arrive on the 5:30am ferry on Tuesday from Anacortes. Once those are placed and final site work Continue Reading
Crow Valley Road Closure
Written on November 19, 2021 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
Due to erosion having caused cavities beneath the roadbed, Crow Valley Road on Orcas Island will be closed to west-bound traffic (traffic heading away from Eastsound towards Island Hardware) between Orcas Road (Fowler’s Corner) and West Beach Road (Island Hardware). East-bound traffic is not impacted at this time. The closure will last at least into Continue Reading
Land Bank Preserves Closed due to Severe Weather
Written on November 16, 2021 at 11:05 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Conservation Land Bank’s Turtleback Mountain, Judd Cove and Coho Preserves on Orcas Island sustained heavy damage from last weekend’s record rainfall. Although staff are prioritizing safety-related repairs to roads and trails, please expect minor disruptions. Some repairs may take months and some impacts will be lasting. In particular, the culvert under Wildrose Lane just Continue Reading
Several State Highways in Whatcom and Skagit Counties Closed due to Flooding
Written on November 15, 2021 at 5:13 pm, by Tim Dustrude
BURLINGTON – Record rainfall caused flooding in several parts of Whatcom and Skagit counties, forcing closures of several state highways. Washington State Department of Transportation crews worked through the weekend and continue to work to clear fallen trees and rockslides, but in some areas such as along State Route 20 between Cascadia Farms (MP 98) to Continue Reading
Emergency!
Written on November 15, 2021 at 5:08 pm, by Tim Dustrude
San Juan County Council Special Meeting – Declaring State of Emergency The San Juan County Council will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at 8 am, to consider a Resolution declaring a State of Emergency. The severe weather system that passed over San Juan County on November 14th and 15th, 2021, dropped a Continue Reading
Road Conditions Update
Written on November 15, 2021 at 12:53 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Extremely heavy rains have fallen across the islands over the last 24 hours, causing a wide range of impacts to San Juan County roads and infrastructure. Public Works crews from both the County and the Town of Friday Harbor have been responding since late last night. Orcas Island in particular has experienced a number of Continue Reading
Be Careful Out There!
Written on November 15, 2021 at 9:11 am, by Tim Dustrude
This just came in from SJC Dept. of Emergency Management… Heavy rain is causing challenging conditions on island roads. Drive with extreme caution and expect water and/or debris in roads. Point Lawrence Road on Orcas is washed out just past Doe Bay Resort (picture above). Public Works, Emergency Management, and Orcas Island Fire & Rescue Continue Reading
Severe Weather Shelter Orientation/Training
Written on November 8, 2021 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Friends, it’s that time of year, where the “suggestion” of very cold weather is loud and clear! We are hoping to put together a team of volunteers to open the Severe Weather Shelter this year. Can you come to an Orientation/Training? It’s on Saturday, N0vember 13 from 9am to 11am at Islands Community Church. (that’s Continue Reading
Fall Colors
Written on November 1, 2021 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
Shannon Dean shares this photo of fall colors on a beautiful last day of October here in Friday Harbor. Thanks for sharing Shannon!
Windy Cattle Point
Written on October 26, 2021 at 5:52 am, by Tim Dustrude
Local photographer extraordinaire John Miller shares this photo with you of the first big winter storm to hit San Juan Island in 2021. This was shot near Cattle Point on Monday, Oct. 25. Click on the photo to see the full, uncropped image. Thanks for sharing John!
Strong Winds Coming
Written on October 23, 2021 at 11:57 am, by Tim Dustrude
The National Weather Service is calling for strong winds in the islands Sunday and Monday. Winds are forecast to be strongest at the south end of San Juan and Lopez Islands, with possible gusts to 60mph, and perhaps as high as 70mph. Winds will be slightly less in other locations. This amount of wind is Continue Reading
Town requests citizen assistance ahead of storm event
Written on October 23, 2021 at 10:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
Town citizens are asked to help keep street gutters and storm drains clear of fall leaves and debris before the heavy winds and rainfall predicted over the coming week. Clogged street gutters can result in storm water overflow and potential flooding. “Our streets crew works extremely hard to keep the streets clean and clear, but Continue Reading
Are you ready for power outage season? Winter is coming!
Written on October 4, 2021 at 9:41 am, by Tim Dustrude
OPALCO can help you prepare As we approach the winter storm season, it is a good time to think about being ready for potential power outages: replenish your battery supply, fill up your gas tank (or charge up your EV) and make sure your phones and computers are fully charged – and you should know Continue Reading
OPALCO Restores Power After 18-Hour Outage
Written on January 16, 2021 at 5:00 am, by Hayley Day
From OPALCO In the early morning hours of Wednesday, Jan. 13, a big storm hit the Northwest region of Washington state with wind gusts of 50-65 mph in the San Juan Island area. By 1 a.m., all of San Juan County was without power after large trees fell onto the Puget Sound Energy lines feeding Continue Reading
Severe Weather Shelter To Reopen
Written on November 8, 2020 at 5:00 am, by Hayley Day
By Winnie Brumsickle, Coordinator, Friday Harbor Severe Weather Shelter Together with United Way of San Juan County and other supporters, “Out of the Cold” Friday Harbor Severe Weather Shelter will continue for another season. The shelter will provide overnight shelter to vulnerable people in Friday Harbor during periods of extremely cold weather, from about Nov. Continue Reading
Low Visibility
Written on October 4, 2020 at 9:47 am, by Tim Dustrude
Ever wonder why fog makes the ferries late? Art Smith shares this photo taken from the car deck in his vehicle (that’s his dashboard at bottom of the photo)on Saturday afternoon. – A ferry crew member on fog watch for any potential obstacles that radar won’t pick up. Thanks for sharing Art!
San Juan Island – County Roads
Written on February 7, 2020 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
San Juan County Public Works continues to monitor and respond to the ongoing rain and flooding events appearing along County Roads. The following two locations may continue to have restrictions posted or may be closed to vehicle traffic entirely. Bailer Hill Rd (west of False Bay Dr) San Juan Valley Rd (west of Douglas Rd) Continue Reading
Tuesday Morning Snow
Written on February 5, 2020 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
This is what the view looked like at the top of Hillview Terrace outside Dot Vandaveer’s window on Tuesday morning. Thanks for sharing the photo Dot!
Heavy Rain Forecast
Written on February 5, 2020 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Recent intense rains caused widespread impacts across the islands due to erosion, runoff, and blocked culverts and drains. Those who experienced damage should be aware that there’s more heavy rain in the forecast starting later Tuesday through Friday. It is almost impossible to forecast the sort of high intensity rainfall that we saw a few Continue Reading
Transition San Juan Island
Written on February 3, 2020 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Mission Statement: Creating conditions for community resilience and regeneration in a rapidly changing world We have set the next meeting of Transition San Juan Island for Sunday, March 1, 2020 from 3-6 PM at the Mullis Center. The purpose is for each action group to complete their Vision Statement. So when you arrive at 3, Continue Reading