Ocean Shores Mayor Issues Emergency Proclamation After Storm Erosion
High tides and wind-driven waves in Grays Harbor County have caused shoreline loss and power outages, prompting city crews to move boulders for stabilization.
By Chinedu Schneider ·
Resident Susan Conniry in Ocean Shores reported that recent waves pushed further inland than anticipated. The unexpected surge in Grays Harbor County has left local infrastructure under strain. City officials are now responding to the physical damage along the coast.
The mayor of Ocean Shores issued a citywide emergency proclamation on Tuesday. The document states that storms have resulted in shoreline erosion, coastal flooding, and prolonged electrical outages. It also notes disruptions to critical municipal infrastructure. Previous efforts to stabilize the shoreline have been compromised by continued storm conditions.
City crews are working to identify emergency stabilization measures this week. They are moving boulders to the affected areas. Police and fire officials urged residents to stay off the beaches from Tuesday through Wednesday due to the powerful storm. The advisory remains in effect while the weather pattern persists.
In Seattle, urban flooding remains a possibility for communities across Western Washington. This is due to the latest round of wet and windy weather. Jana Dilley, Pollution Prevention Community Engagement Manager at Seattle Public Utilities, manages a team that works with residents on actions to protect infrastructure. Her team focuses on maintaining water quality during heavy rain events.
Seattle Public Utilities crews are working to prevent street flooding as falling leaves clog storm drains. On Tuesday night, FOX 13 observed a drain on Broad Street that was completely covered. Dilley advised residents to rake leaves out of drains and dispose of them appropriately. This ensures that rain can flow down as intended when storms hit.
Seattle Public Utilities provided a list of pointers for cleaning clogged drains this season. Residents should rake fallen leaves and sticks in their yards before they reach the storm drain. They should also rake or sweep leaves and debris from the tops of storm drains. If a drain cannot be cleared, residents can submit a report or call the problem hotline at (206) 386-1800.
During winter, residents should keep snow and ice from blocking drains. Meltwater from snow combined with rain can block storm drain inlets. This causes localized flooding in neighborhoods. Residents should remove snow and ice with a shovel or rake to clear a channel for runoff. They should call the hotline if they cannot clear the drain themselves.
At the Blue Collar Doghouse in Edmonds, owner Kate Lund is keeping pets clean in the wet weather. She said a cancellation for a bath allowed them to give Squirt, a client dog, a partial groom and bath. Lund noted that staying ahead of the mud is an uphill battle because the ground is wet. She mentioned that leaves stick to dogs and end up all over the house after walks.
