Topic: Weather

Be Careful Out There!

Written on November 15, 2021 at 9:11 am, by

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Transition San Juan Island: An Update

Written on January 24, 2020 at 5:44 am, by

First, we extend our sincere appreciation for the attentive and engaged turnout at the Mullis Center on January 12!  A quiet Sunday afternoon among busy families, threats of snowy roads and of course the Seahawks playoff game notwithstanding, about 65 of you responded to our invitations.  We were enthused by our smiling friends from Lopez  Continue Reading

Snow Routes

Written on January 15, 2020 at 8:34 pm, by

For Thursday January 16, 2020 – Schools will be on a two hour delayed start schedule due to road conditions. Buses will be on “Snow Routes”. Please make safe decisions.