The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, put its Emergency Operations center into operation Oct. 30 and has sent teams out to the Olympic Peninsula and Snohomish River basin.
The Corps has sent a team to work with the Hoh Tribe, who has worked to install emergency protective measures and need additional equipment and materials. The latest coastal storm warning forecasts high waves through Sunday. The protective measures will primarily reduce flood risk to the Tribe's potable water system.
Other teams are assisting Snohomish County to assess levees in Startup and Gold Bar and working with the city of Ocean Shores to assess recent repairs to erosion protection structures at North Beach.
“The Corps has sent out teams of emergency responders who are familiar with the local conditions and the specific threats to these areas,” said Doug Weber, Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Emergency Management Branch Chief.
Teams will remain to provide assistance as requested and monitor conditions until the major flood threat has passed.
Public Law 84-99 enables the Corps to assist state and local authorities in flood fight activities and cost share in the repair of flood protection structures. The purpose is to prevent loss of life and minimize property damage associated with severe weather.
Private citizens seeking sandbags should contact their local government offices.
The National Weather Service issues flood watches and warnings and should be consulted for that information.
Release no. 15-043