Flood Watch 2006

Severe weather in southwest Washington today, including 4-10" of rain, depending on where you live. The governor has declared a state of emergency in Cowlitz County, and the Cowlitz River is schedule to pass flood stage at about 0400 - roughly 2.5 hours from now. After working a very busy shift today (8 MVAs on I-5, 11 calls total), I got called back into the station to man a second medic unit (M-62) because we may need to relocate and stage at the High School, which is on the other side of the river, if the main thoroughfare floods.

Earlier, while standing in the bay, we heard a deep booming in a generally vague direction of the river. I swear it's trees striking the bridge across the main road. The river's really racing, and taking large debris - trees, vehicles, pieces of house - with it.

Anyway, I'm going to try to get a couple hours sleep before the flood stage hits full on, and the morning commute clogs up I-5 with more idiot drivers hydroplaning out of control. I'll try to blog again when I can, and keep everyone posted. The rain is supposed to continue through tomorrow, then break for a day, then start up again. Who knows what's coming later this week.

Some additional reading:
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/15945174.htm
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2006/11/07/top_story/news01.txt