Grover is Prepared. Are you?

Grover is many things to many people. He is a role model, a friend and now a spokesmonster for preparedness! In our haste to be prepared for emergencies, sometimes we forget to teach our very young children some of the most important things to know (parents names, phone number, etc). This interview comes to us from a compelling series called "What Should We Tell the Public" from InCaseofEmergencyBlog.com. Take a minute to listen to Grover and share it with a child that you love!

Senior Connections Fair this Saturday!

The 3rd Annual Senior Connections Fair is coming up this Saturday at the Cowlitz Expo Center from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This year's theme is "Live Happy, Live Healthy." Over 50 exhibitors will provide social connections, employment readiness, financial literacy, legal information, health screening, education, volunteer opportunities, and personal care or home care assistance. You’ll enjoy live entertainment, give-a-ways, door prizes and guest speakers. Test drive innovative medical equipment, sign up for a Spa Day or participate in dance and exercise. There will be seating for rest and snacks available. Admission is free. Donations will be accepted for CAP Food Warehouse. Stop by the DEM booth and say hello!

Will You Subscribe?

As you well know, the last week in April is National Karaoke Week. What, you didn't know that? Well, to celebrate this auspicious occasion, I have brought back a vintage post from last summer. As someone who has been told on numerous occasions of her complete lack of vocal talent, please take this opportunity to enjoy a wonderful karaoke song, not performed out loud by me.

Have you ever found something really cool on the Internet, but then you were never able to find it again? Well, if you are reading this blog, you've found something really cool. DON'T let it get away! So, how can you prevent this sad dilemma? You can subscribe! Subscribing to the blog is easy, it's free and it benefits both the blogger and the reader. It's beneficial for you to get updates automatically when a new blog entry is posted, thus making you happier, smarter and perhaps better looking*. It's beneficial for me because it gives me a nice reader base to show off to my superiors. See? Win-win. You can subscribe by entering your email in the box on the right hand side of the blog. It's right over there, shift your eyes to the right, scroll up...Yep, right there. You will receive an emailed link to confirm your subscription. OPEN THE EMAIL. READ THE DIRECTIONS. FOLLOW SAID DIRECTIONS. (I'm not yelling, I'm gently, yet firmly stating a directive.) This is the part that most people fail and then wonder why they never get email updates. Once you have confirmed the subscription, like a magical fairy bearing emergency info and updates, you will receive an email with any entries for that day. If that isn't enough to make you want to be a subscriber, maybe this little ditty set to the tune of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive," will seal the deal:

I WILL SUBSCRIBE

First I was afraid,
I was petrified.
Thinking I could never remember to check the blog
without a guide.


But I spent so many nights
Wondering how I could be so wrong
And I grew strong
And I learned I didn't even have to log on

No, no not I
I'll just subscribe
As long as I know how to type
I know I'll stay online


I've got to know which roads are closed
I've got to know the latest tips
I will subscribe
I will subscribe

Hey HEY!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Safe Kids Day

Looking for some free entertainment on Saturday, May 1st? If so, take the kids and check out Spring SAFE KIDS Day at the Longview Fire Department (740 Commerce Ave, Longview). The event features booths about fire safety, disaster preparedness, poisoning prevention and much more. There will be hourly prize drawings and LOTS of games and activities for kids of all ages.

Looking for a Good Book?

The three of us here in Emergency Management are always looking for good books that bring emergency planning, response and recovery to life. We found just that in The Day The World Came To Town, a fantastic book chronicling the lesser known stories of passengers affected by the events of September 11th. The story follows the passengers of flights that were diverted and made emergency landings in Gander, Newfoundland on September 11, 2001. Gander is a small Canadian town with a population of around 9,000 residents. On that fateful day, 38 jetliners were directed to land at Gander "International" Airport, effectively doubling the population of this small town. When Gander became the recipient of these thousands of unexpected guests, its residents immediately rallied together and swiftly set up emergency shelters, opened their homes to complete strangers and offered the use of their vehicles, bedding and whatever else was needed. Local businesses emptied their shelves of food, supplies, clothing and toys. Pharmacists filled prescriptions from all over the world without cost. No call for assistance went unheard and no person struggled alone.
To put this in perspective, imagine an influx of over 6,000 unexpected people landing in the middle of Kelso at one time. How would we feed these people? Shelter them? Meet any medical and dietary needs? You can't answer every question with a resolute answer. That's the frustration with emergency planning, there is never a 100% correct answer that will work every time. That's why reading books such as The Day The World Came To Town help remind us not only as emergency planners, but as citizens that, while there is no perfect answer, there is the unexpected resolution that can never be written into any plan. With their hospitality, flexibility and quick thinking, the residents of Gander, Newfoundland have set a standard to which the rest of us should aspire to reach.

Gardening Class Coming Up

You may be wondering what gardening has to do with emergency preparedness. Gardening and canning your harvest is a great way to work up an inexpensive food supply! The Healthy Homes Program has teamed up with the Highlands Neighborhood Association to present "Food Gardening for Next to Nothing." with Master Gardener Glen Andresen. This even will be held on Monday, April 26th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at St. Helens Elementary School at 431 27th Avenue in Longview. If you have questions, please contact 414-5581.

Mind Your Business

The recent eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano got me thinking. It first got me thinking about what a weird name that Eyjafjallajokull is. Then it got me thinking about the only thing I know about Iceland, which is the singer, Bjork (who is also very weird). Then it got me thinking by that logic Iceland must be a weird place. (Seriously, this is how my mind functions) But THEN I got to thinking about how the ash fallout has caused complete travel chaos in northern Europe. The flight cancellations alone cost British Airways $16.04 million dollars per day. And that's just the airline industry. According to MSNBC, this is the worst air interruption since 9/11 as many countries near Iceland have closed or heavily restricted their airspace. Also hard hit are train companies, the hospitality industry and car rental outlets. For more information on this story, visit MSNBC by clicking here.

So, what does this mean for you? Probably nothing, but it does spring to mind that we have several volcanoes in our state, some that are prone to belching hot ash on occasion. If you are a business owner, or if you work for a small business, it is necessary to have a solid business continuity plan. The sad statistic is that nearly half of all businesses that must unexpectedly close for more than three days, never re-open. It doesn't have to be that way. There are many options in preparing for unexpected closures and business slow-downs due to unforeseen emergencies (i.e. extended power outage, snow, flood, etc). Many businesses chose to purchase business interruption insurance. This is the best way to keep your business afloat during an unexpected event. Even if you are not a business owner, an unexpected closure due to an emergency still affects you. If you are an employee of a small business, it may be prudent to talk to your employer about their emergency plans. If they go out of business, that means you are out of a job. In case you hadn't noticed, this isn't the opportune time to be unemployed.

There are many templates available to help you create a successful business continuity plan on your own. (http://www.ready.gov/ has a good one) However, if this is all too much for you, you are in luck. The Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments, Cowlitz Economic Development Council and the Small Business Development Council are here to help. For more information on individualized help on business continuity plans in case of disaster, please contact Jennifer Keene at Council of Governments at 577-3041 or jkeene@cwcog.org. Don't let your business become a statistic!

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Or, in short, thanks 9-1-1 dispatchers! Each year the second week in April is dedicated to the men and women who serve as public safety telecommunicators. Our 9-1-1 dispatchers are responsible for handling all 9-1-1 emergency calls generated in Cowlitz County. Many people are not aware that they also handle the receipt, disposition, and the documentation of telephone and radio calls in both routine and emergency matters for Law Enforcement and Fire Services. These are busy people!

The Cowlitz County 9-1-1 Communications Center is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is the responsibility of the dispatcher to accurately, and quickly, identify the nature of your call and assist in solving the problem.

In case you've ever wrestled with the question of whether or not to call 9-1-1, ask yourself these questions:

• What is the level of urgency?


• Is there a danger to life and property?


• Is someone the victim of a crime?


• Do you have a police emergency?


• Does the caller or someone else have an immediate medical emergency?


• Does the caller need the fire department?

If the public safety situation is urgent and has the potential of escalating by not making the call, the choice should be to contact 9-1-1. If you should call 9-1-1 by accident, DO NOT hang up. Stay on the line and tell the dispatcher that everything is all right. If you don't, the dispatcher is required to find out the situation and send a police officer to the location from which the call originated.

If you need help, but it is not an immediate emergency, you can call the non-emergency line at (360) 577-3090.

When you make a 9-1-1 call, dispatchers will ask you several questions. Please don't take offense and scream at them to just get you help. When an emergency call comes in one dispatcher will gather information, while another dispatcher dispatches the call to fire and/or paramedics. Answering questions and giving the appropriate information is not slowing down response time. Dispatchers are trained to get as much information as possible to best determine the nature of the problem. The information that you provide can assist officers in determining what they will need in order to keep others safe and out of harms way. Also, please realize that the dispatchers are trained to perform many tasks at once. If they ask you to hold, it is because they are dispatching help to you!

For more information about our local 9-1-1 Communications Center, click here.

Statewide Earthquake Drill

April is Disaster Preparedness Month for Washington State and this year the focus is on Earthquake Awareness. Why? Watch the news, I am confident you'll figure it out. There will be a statewide Drop, Cover, Hold drill on Wednesday, April 21st at 9:45 a.m. All of our local schools and several local businesses will be participating this year. You can also be certain that I will be under my desk at 9:45 on that day too. (Who am I kidding...I'd probably be under there anyway hiding from my boss.) It may seem like a silly exercise, but you would be surprised how many normally sane adults will run outside screaming during an earthquake because the proper actions don't immediately spring to mind. That's why practicing what to do every once in awhile is a good idea. It's like parallel parking, you should brush up on it from time to time so that when you visit a large city and that particular method of parking is your only option, you don't look like an idiot and end up crying and parking 4 miles away. Not that I've done that. For a reminder of drop, cover and hold procedures, click here. For an article about the benefits of drop, cover, hold vs. "triangle of life," click here. For an important preparedness reminder, click here.

Another sizeable earthquake

The ground is shaking, people.... Haiti, Chile, Southern California, Baja California, Alaska, Indonesia, Turkey, China...all within the past 4 months. You can click on each location for more information on their respective earthquakes. For more info on the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that occurred earlier today near Tibet, click here. The death toll is estimated at 400 and appears to be rising. Please, please take this as a reminder to check up on your disaster supply kit, review your emergency plans and make sure you know your children's school and daycare emergency plans. I'm not wearing a sandwich board on the street corner with a mega phone and shouting the end is near, (mostly because I don't have a mega phone) but I am trying to gently prod you into action. You can't prevent an earthquake, but you can prepare for it.

Don't Celebrate This Holiday!

This wonderful blog post comes to us from our good friends at Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA). Check it out and take note!

On the radio this morning, we heard that it is "Blame Someone Else Day." As an emergency management agency, we hope that NO ONE celebrates this holiday, but unfortunately, many of us do without formally recognizing the day.

When disaster strikes, there is often a rush to blame. Some people blame God, while others blame Mother Nature. Many people will blame FEMA or local government for an inadequate response while others will rush to find someone to sue because surely someone owes them money somewhere.

Today, we are asking people to boycott "Blame Someone Else Day" and do one simple thing that will prepare yourself or your family to handle an emergency situation. Here are a few ideas:

 Check out your emergency preparedness kit and see if anything needs replacing.

 Create or renew your out-of-area contact card, making sure that your out-of-area contact knows that they may be called upon to serve this function.

 Make sure that all of your family members are carrying their out-of-area contact card.

 Check your smoke alarms to see if they work.

 Do a family reunification drill. If there was smoke in your house, do all of your family members know where to meet outside?

Whatever you do, join us in remembering that each of us have a personal responsibility to be prepared all of the time. Don't be tempted to blame someone else (even if it is a holiday!)

On Water Storage

The single most important item in your disaster supply kit is water. The human body can generally survive for 30 days or more without food, granted those 30 days would suck big time. However, a body can only survive without water for about 3 days. I've heard people say that they don't need to store a bunch of water because they can drink out of their water heater or the tank of their toilet. In theory, yes, you can do this. In reality, do you really want to? Have you looked in your toilet tank? Do you know what kind of gnarly floaties live in your water heater? Do you really hate yourself and your family that much that you feel they need to drink out of the toilet? Maybe you do, and that's okay, I'm not here to judge. But--if you value yourself and your family, you'll set aside a few bucks to buy yourself some decent emergency water. Here are a few tips:

• Store at least one gallon of water per person, per day in a cool, dark place. The average individual must drink at least two quarts of water every day. Children, nursing mothers, the elderly and people in warmer climates need more. Additional water should be reserved for personal hygiene and food preparation. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security encourages individuals to store enough water to last a minimum of three days - bearing in mind that water is needed for drinking as well as for personal hygiene.
  
• Choose appropriate containers for water storage; disinfect before use. Personally, I wouldn't store water in any plastic containers that have ever stored juice, milk or soda (or antifreeze or lighter fluid). Seriously, there is nothing that will remove the taste of what has previously been in there. Also, milk jugs are very, very low quality plastic. Not only will they leach chemicals into your water, after about 3 months they'll start to seep and leak and eventually crumble altogether. Honestly, it's much less hassle to just buy water already sealed in a gallon size or more. Make sure to check the label and rotate it as needed. There's no need to waste it once it's beyond its date. Just use it to water flowers or to clean something. The reason that there is a "use by" date is not because the water itself expires, it's that after a year or so the plastic begins breaking down. Those chemicals that are leaching into the water are NOT GOOD FOR YOU. Trust me. Rotate it.
  
• Another good option is to buy three or five-gallon polycarbonate bottles (#7) and fill them with tap water. The #7 in the triangle on the bottom of the bottle means that it is a much higher quality plastic and will last longer without leaching. You can fill up these bad boys and not worry about rotating them for 5 years. Most municipal water is already treated with a variety of chlorine and fluoride, so there isn't a need add additional bleach. If you get your water from a well, you might consider adding a few drops of unscented bleach. The standard formula is about 10 drops per gallon of water. (Drops, like from an eye dropper, not 10 pours). Then seal the container and put a piece of tape on it with the date so you know when to rotate it. Also, you don't need to throw out the bottle after 5 years, just replace the water so it's fresh. The bottles are good for about 20 years.
  

Caring for Exotic Pets in a Disaster

I know that pets can be more than just dogs and cats. Birds, snakes, lizards and small mammals also need your attention in a disaster. Birds and lizards can be transported in their cage if it is secure. Otherwise, a carrier should be used. Wrap a blanket over the cage if the weather is cool and place them in a warmed vehicle. If the weather is warm, have a spray bottle to periodically mist them. Instead of placing water in the cage, which will spill, provide fresh fruit or vegetables that are high in water content. Line the carrier with paper towels and change them frequently.

Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase until more secure housing can be arranged at your evacuation site. However, if you are going to be anywhere near me, you just leave that snake at home and hope for the best. Just kidding...kinda. Have a water bowl large enough for soaking as well as a heating pad or other heat source. If the snake will require feeding within the next few days, find someone who has evacuated with their pet hamster and distract them. I'm only kidding. Bring their food with you.

For warmth while transporting animals, fill a sock with uncooked rice and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. The warmth of the rice in the sock will help keep pets warm during the transport. Be sure to check the temperature because the rice can get very hot. This really does work, I used this trick when caring for a sick baby chick and the sock stayed warm for over an hour.

Search and Rescue Conference Coming Up

The 2010 Washington State Search and Rescue Conference is coming up on May 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. It will be held at the beautiful Skamania County Fairgrounds, just west of Stevenson, WA (a short 45 min drive from the Portland/Vancouver metro area).

Please join us and take advantage of the many training opportunities available, both classroom and field, and enjoy networking with other SAR teams from the Northwest. You do not need to be a current Search and Rescue volunteer to attend, anyone with interest in Search and Rescue is welcome. For all the info, click here.

There will be pre-conference classes covering: Tracking, ICS, K9, Rope Rescue I, and NASAR SARTECH II Exam.

During the conference there will be classes on: Incident Command System, Map and Compass, Crime Scene, Shelter building, Snowmobiles/Snowcats, Amateur Radio Exam, SAR Law, Mounted Search, Foot/Wound Care and much more.

There are also plans for an air ops demonstration!

Catering will be provided by Longhorn Barbecue.

And best of all...early bird registration is now available online. Visit http://www.wasarconf.org/ for all the information. If you register before April 15th, the cost is $55, if you register after, it is $75.

So what are you waiting for? Your search is over, you've found the conference. Now just sign up!

Another Storm on the Way

From TDN.com

Forecasters say mild weather Wednesday is the calm before the next spring storm to hit Washington.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Wednesday night through Friday afternoon for the Olympics and Cascades. Forecasters expect 1 to 2 feet of new snow in the Cascades with the snow level dropping to 500 feet by Friday morning.

Other parts of the state will likely feel gusty winds and rain.

The Weather Service says high temperatures for the rest of the week won't get out of the 50s while lows could fall into the 30s in Western Washington and below freezing in Eastern Washington.

Are Your Pets Ready for Disaster? Part II

When there is a threat of disaster, don't waste time. Know what to do and where to go ahead of time.

• If there is no need to evacuate, locate and confine your pet. Bring pets inside away from windows; consider easy to clean areas such as bathrooms, kitchen or utility room.


• Have your portable disaster kit in an accessible location and ready to go.


• Check your pets' collars to ensure they are securely attached and have identification on them. Having your pets microchipped is also a good idea.


• If you are not home and an emergency evacuation order is given, contact a friend or neighbor to take your pets and their disaster kits to a designated location.

If you haven't included pet supplies in your disaster kit, now would be a good time to remedy that. Handy items to keep in your kit include:

• A weeks supply of food and water.
• A can opener.
• Food and water dishes. Collapsible dishes are easiest to transport.
• Any medication that your pet may take. Have a small emergency supply on hand, but remember to rotate it as the expiration date nears.
• Copies of vaccination records stored in a waterproof container or plastic bag. Include the name and address of your veterinarian along with an authorization form allowing medical treatment for your pet if you are not available.
• Sturdy leash and harness for each pet.
• Carrier or crate for each pet. Make sure it is well labeled.
• Toys and bed.
• Recent photographs of your pet. A photo with you in it is the best way to prove ownership of a pet.

The dog pictured just found out that his owner doesn't have a preparedness kit for him. He also looks just like my dog, Jack, and now I'm feeling pretty guilty because, honestly, I don't have a kit for him. I have one for our other dog, but I haven't gotten around to making one for Jack. It might have something to do with the fact that Jack ate my picnic table, a baseball bat and my pink rubber boots. Don't worry, it's on my to-do list.

Are Your Pets Ready for a Disaster?

Many pet owners do not realize that in the event of a disaster and evacuation, Red Cross shelters are not able to accept pets. It is also not safe to leave your pets behind, as they depend on you for survival. Leaving companion pets behind could result in them being lost or harmed.

The best way to ensure your pet is safe in the event of an evacuation is to have a disaster plan! Taking time now to develop a plan and prepare a disaster kit for each pet will provide you with comfort in knowing that your pets will be safer because of your preparedness.

Ask friends, relatives and other pet owners outside of your area if they would be willing to provide shelter for your pets in the event of an evacuation. Nearly all of the hotels in the area are willing to let patrons have small pets in their room during a disaster (Yes, I did call all of them!). The Humane Society can also foster pets during evacuations. Prepare a list of places, including phone numbers, that your pet(s) could go. Keep this information in your disaster kit. The kitty pictured was just told that his owner hasn't done anything to get him prepared for a disaster. Don't let this be YOUR pet!

Wind Advisory from National Weather Service

LOWER COLUMBIA-GREATER PORTLAND METRO AREA- CENTRAL WILLAMETTE VALLEY-SOUTH WILLAMETTE VALLEY-I-
5 CORRIDOR IN COWLITZ COUNTY-GREATER VANCOUVER AREA- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ST. HELENS...HILLSBORO...OREGON CITY...
GRESHAM...SALEM...EUGENE...CORVALLIS...ALBANY...LONGVIEW...
KELSO...BATTLE GROUND...WASHOUGAL
411 PM PDT MON APR 5 2010

..WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY...CLARK COUNTY...LOWER COLUMBIA...AND I-5 CORRIDOR IN COWLITZ COUNTY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PORTLAND HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY...CLARK COUNTY...LOWER COLUMBIA...AND I-5 CORRIDOR IN COWLITZ COUNTY.

* WINDS: 25 TO 35 MPH GUSTING TO 45 MPH.

* TIMING: UNTIL 6 PM.

* LOCATIONS INCLUDE: EUGENE...CORVALLIS...ALBANY...SALEM...
HILLSBORO...OREGON CITY...GRESHAM...ST. HELENS...BATTLE
GROUND...WASHOUGAL...LONGVIEW...KELSO

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WIND ADVISORY IS ISSUED WHEN SUSTAINED WINDS ARE FORECAST TO BE
31 TO 39 MPH OR GUSTS WILL RANGE BETWEEN 45 AND 57 MPH. WINDS OF THESE MAGNITUDES MAY CAUSE MINOR PROPERTY DAMAGE WITHOUT EXTRA PRECAUTIONS. MOTORISTS IN HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES SHOULD USE CAUTION UNTIL THE WINDS SUBSIDE.

&&

What's that Smell?

A few citizens have complained of a turpentine smell in the Longview area today. It turns out that this low-pressure weather system is trapping normal gas emissions from a local mill and keeping them stagnant over Longview. The odor will dissipate once the low-pressure pattern lifts. The smell is not harmful, just unpleasant.

What To Do When The Ground Shakes Under You

I know that there are a lot of differing opinions out there on what to do in an earthquake. I'm sure that you've had a few tips forwarded to you by well-meaning family members. However the only method that our office advocates is the time-tested Drop, Cover, Hold instruction. If you decide that you will fight to the death for your particular alternative method, go for it, we're not here to argue with you. What we are here to do is explain the Emergency Management approved steps to take if you feel an earthquake.

• If you feel the ground begin to shake, DROP under a desk or sturdy table. Stay away from bookcases, windows, file cabinets, heavy mirrors, hanging plants, and other objects that could fall. Watch out for falling plaster ceiling tiles. Stay under COVER until the shaking stops. HOLD onto the desk or table. If it moves, move with it.



• If you are in a high-rise building and not near a desk or a table, move against an interior wall, and protect your head with your arms. Face away from windows. Do not use the elevator.



• If you are outdoors, move to a clear area, away from trees, signs, buildings, or downed electrical wires and poles.



• If you are on a sidewalk near buildings, get into a building's doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster and other debris.



• If you are driving, slowly pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses, power lines and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over.



• If you are in a store or other public place, do not rush for the exits. Move away from display shelves with objects that could fall on you.



• If you are in a wheelchair, stay in it. Move to cover, if possible, lock your wheels and protect your head with your arms.



• If you are in the kitchen, move away from the refrigerator, stove and overhead cupboards. (Take the time NOW to anchor appliances and install security latches on cupboard doors to reduce hazards.)



• If you are in a stadium or theater, stay in your seat and protect your head with your arms. Do not try to leave until the shaking in over.



• After an earthquake, be prepared for aftershocks.

This information is courtesy of the Washington State Emergency Management Division

A Rather Blustery Day

A high wind advisory remains in effect today until 5:00 p.m. South winds will increase to 25-35 miles per hour later this morning with gusts to 45-55 in the afternoon. The strongest winds are expected to occur with and behind the cold front which is expected to pass through the Willamette Valley later this morning. Peak winds are expected between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. I am reminded of a cute passage from Winnie the Pooh on this rather blustery day:

Oh the wind is lashing lusterly
And the trees are thrashing thrusterly
And the leaves are rustling gusterly
So it's rather safe to say
That it seems that it may turn out to be
It feels that it will undoubteadly
Looks like a rather blustery day today
It seems that it may turn out to be
Feels that it will undoubteadly
Looks like a rather blustery day today

Weather Update

From National Weather Service
..STRONG SYSTEM FOR APRIL WILL IMPACT THE AREA TONIGHT AND FRIDAY...

A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL RAPIDLY DEEPEN OFF THE WASHINGTON COAST FRIDAY MORNING...CAUSING NUMEROUS WEATHER IMPACTS. THESE WEATHER IMPACTS INCLUDE WIND...SNOW...AND HEAVY RAINFALL.

WIND...WINDY CONDITIONS WITH GUSTS TO 50 MPH ARE EXPECTED INLAND AND WILL LIKELY RESULT IN AN ADVISORY FOR THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY.
THE POTENTIAL FOR DAMAGE WILL BE EXACERBATED BY SATURATED SOILS AND TREES LEAFING OUT. THIS STORM WILL ALSO BRING HIGH WIND CRITERIA TO THE COAST...WIND SPEEDS WILL BE STRONG WITH GUSTS TO 60 MPH IN THE COASTAL COMMUNITIES AND 70 TO 75 MPH ALONG BEACHES AND HEADLANDS.

SNOW...ANTICIPATE SNOW LEVELS TO REMAIN AROUND 2000 TO 3000 FT TONIGHT. SNOW LEVELS WILL LOWER EARLY FRIDAY MORNING TO AROUND 1000 FT BEFORE SLOWLY RISING TO NEAR 2500 FT BY FRIDAY AFTERNOON.

SNOW LEVELS WILL FALL AGAIN BEHIND A COLD FRONT FRIDAY NIGHT. DUE TO WINDY CONDITIONS...BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW MAY CAUSE PERIODS OF BLIZZARD CONDITIONS. EXPECT 1 TO 3 FEET OF SNOW IN THE CASCADES...WITH THE HIGHEST TOTALS LIKELY TO OCCUR NEAR AND ABOVE THE PASSES. FOR THE NORTH OREGON AND SOUTH WASHINGTON CASCADE FOOTHILLS...AS WELL AS THE UPPER HOOD RIVER VALLEY...UP TO 1 FOOT OF SNOW IS EXPECTED. IN THE CENTRAL OREGON CASCADE FOOTHILLS...4 TO 8 INCHES OF SNOW ARE EXPECTED. A QUICK 3 TO 6 INCHES OF SNOW WILL FALL IN THE NORTH OREGON COAST RANGE AND WILLAPA HILLS BEFORE PRECIPITATION CHANGES TO RAIN THERE FRIDAY MORNING.

RAIN...EXPECT 1 TO 2 INCHES OF RAIN ALONG THE COAST...2 TO 4 INCHES IN THE COAST RANGE...AND ABOUT 1 INCH OF RAIN IN THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY. HEAVIEST RAINFALL WILL OCCUR EARLY FRIDAY MORNING.

Washington State Disaster Preparedness Month

No foolin', today begins Washington State Disaster Preparedness Month, as declared by Governor Gregoire. The focus for this month is earthquake safety. On April 21st from 9:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. schools and businesses across Washington will participate in a state-wide Drop, Cover, Hold drill. For more information on the drill or other disaster preparedness information, click here.

More Nasty Weather Ahead

From the National Weather Service:
The latest in a series of storms in beginning to take shape over the Pacific Ocean south of the Aleutian Islands. This storm will tap into abundant moisture while racing toward the Pacific Northwest tonight and Friday. A warm front associated with this system will move onshore late tonight spreading heavy precipitation across Washington and Oregon through Friday. However, the surge of warm air will weaken as the front moves onshore.
A cold front will move onshore on Friday dropping snow levels back down to 2000 feet or lower while onshore flow continues to push showers into the Cascades.
In summary: cold, wet, yuck.