I-5 still under water; reopening date uncertain

By Communications staff, Washington State University
Floodwaters still cover large portions of the Interstate 5 highway near Chehalis, and the Department of Transportation said Wednesday, Dec. 5, that damage must  be repaired before there will be a reopening.
 
Gov. Chris Gregoire declared a state of emergency in Washington on Dec. 4 due to flooding, mudslides and power outages resulting from the ‘Pineapple Express’ rain and windstorm that pummelled the state the previous two days. 
 
A dike broke in the Chehalis area, leaving portions of the I-5 highway under 8-10 feet of water on Tuesday. The flood stranded many people and shut down services — including emergency medical, airports, trains, etc.  In some areas, it’s said the be the worst flooding on record.
 
Injuries, deaths, extensive property damage and power outages are being seen in Woodinville, Olympia, Chehalis, Seattle, Port Orchard, Bellevue, Grays Harbor, Skokomish River, Aberdeen, Hood Canal, much of Lewis County, and other areas. (See multiple news links below — photos, maps, news reports.)
 
The National Guard and the Coast Guard are helping in many areas.

Unfortunately, the runoff in some areas has not peaked.

News coverage includes:

  • Seattle PI — Gregoire declares a state of emergency, https://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/342153_stormstate04.html

  • Seattle PI — Massive storm swamps Seattle (photo), https://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/342147_stormmain04.html

  • Seattle PI — Rainstorm could increase landslide risk over the next few weeks, https://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/342145_landslides04.html

  • Seattle Times — Slides close roads; many areas still vulnerable, https://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004051252_stormslide04m.html

  • Seattle Times — Rescue work continues in flood- ravaged Southwest Washington, https://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004051751_webweather04m.html

    As of  Tuesday, Dec. 4, WSU facilities had reported relatively minor damages, including:
     
    * The WSU Vancouver Research Extension Unit had a few shingles loosened, with substantial leaks into the meeting room. Part of the ceiling plaster fell down Monday afternoon. The area received about 4 inches of rain Saturday and Sunday, with the storm continuing Monday. The drainage ditch behind the station is backed up into the parking lot. — Blair F Wolfley, Southwest District Director, WSU Vancouver Extension
     
    * The Mt. Vernon Research and Extension Unit — The National Weather Service has predicted that the Skagit River at Mt. Vernon will crest at about 2 feet above flood stage.  
     
    * The Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research Center has experienced significant water leakage from the roof of its main building. The main threat is to electrical equipment such as computers. — Jay Brunner, Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research Center

    * WSU Vancouver has had some flooding of its biking/jogging trails. A tree branch fell on one of the pedestrian bridges without significant damage. Some county roads around the campus have been closed due to flooding, but so far the campus has fared pretty well. — Lt. Dave Stephenson, Department of Public Safety & Police Services, WSU Vancouver

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