Crime & Safety
Coast Guard Helps Evacuate Residents From Flooding Near Forks
The Coast Guard dispatched helicopters near Forks as rising floodwaters endangered roughly 10 people, officials said Monday.
PORT ANGELES, WA — The U.S. Coast Guard sent air crews to assist with a rescue operation outside of Forks Monday morning, as an atmospheric river dumped rain over the Olympic Peninsula. The Coast Guard said rising floodwaters in the area endangered approximately 10 residents living west of Forks near Highway 110.
In an update shared shortly before 2:30 p.m., the Coast Guard confirmed all 10 people were successfully evacuated from the flood area.
#UPDATE #USCG helicopter crews have successfully evacuated 10 people from flooded residential area west of Forks, WA, near HWY 110. Evacuation efforts have concluded. @USCG remains #Ready to assist the public.#ProtectingThePNW #SearchAndRescue
— USCGPacificNorthwest (@USCGPacificNW) November 15, 2021
Fortunately, the National Weather Service said rain rates were "rapidly decreasing" in the area by 12:30 p.m., and three area rivers were expected to crest by Monday afternoon.
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Clallam County: - Rain rates rapidly decreasing across the county. - The Calawah R. near Forks has crested and is beginning to recede. - The Bogachiel R. near La Push will likely crest in the next 1-3hrs - The Elwha R. @ McDonald Bridge will likely crest in the next 1-3hrs#wawx pic.twitter.com/DhOphFLDB6
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) November 15, 2021
Several road closures remained in place across Clallam County late Monday morning, with the sheriff's office citing an "incredible amount of rain" mixed with snowmelt from the warm front. Forecasters expected the worst of the rain and wind to pass by Monday evening, setting the table for two days of cooler and drier conditions.
2 p.m. update for highway closures in the #OlympicPeninsula: US 101, SR 112, SR 110 and SR 113 have various stretches closed due to downed trees, standing water or landslides. Be sure check our travel center map for updates: https://t.co/dAK4A3w2nG pic.twitter.com/efnd05sK9x
— WSDOT Tacoma (@wsdot_tacoma) November 15, 2021
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