South Bend, Washington – The Tsunami Safe Haven project team (University of Washington, Pacific County Emergency Management Agency, Shoalwater Bay Tribe, and the Washington State Emergency Management Division) will be holding a conclusion meeting regarding vertical evacuation in the Tokeland and North Cove area on Tuesday, November 09, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. at the Shoalwater Bay Tribal Center meeting room.

Please consider attending this meeting as it is an excellent opportunity to view and hear the outcome of previous meetings and research. This meeting will be conducted in an open house style with various thematic stations looking at the following topics: community meeting results, tsunami hazard information, vertical evacuation information, vertical evacuation structure design elements, cost estimates, and walking and evacuation routes.

Questions regarding the project or meeting may be forwarded to Jeana Wiser, student of Urban Planning at University of Washington, at wiserjc@gmail.com. 

South Bend, Washington – A new All Hazard Alert Broadcast (AHAB) siren was installed at the North Willapa Harbor Grange in North Cove. The siren startup is scheduled to take place on Monday, November 1, 2010 in the afternoon. Residents should be aware that the initial startup and operation of the siren requires that audible tests be completed. 

Please note that this siren will not be included with the regular monthly test scheduled for noon the same day.

Residents with questions or concerns may contact the PCEMA office at (360) 875-9340.

South Bend, Washington – The National Weather Service, Portland Office, has predicted strong autumn storms for the weekend of October 23 – 24, 2010. Two systems are expected to pass over Pacific County over the next 48 – 72 hours with the strongest storm arriving Saturday night and continuing through early Sunday. Hazards expected include large seas, possible minor coastal flooding, heavy rain, with high wind accompanying the second storm. 

Rainfall is expected to total 3 – 5” over the course of the two systems with the heaviest rainfall on Saturday evening. Minor coastal flooding is also expected in areas along Raymond and Willapa Bay as some of the highest astronomical tides of the year will occur during the same time period. A coastal flood watch is expected for the time of high tide. 

The National Weather Service is expected to issue a high wind warning for the coast for Saturday night through Sunday morning, with gusts 50 – 60 mph inland, and 70 – 75 mph along the beaches and headlands, with lower speed gusty winds continuing through Sunday. In conjunction, predictions include very large seas, peaking Sunday evening, and snow at the pass levels in the amount of 8 – 18” at 5,000 feet. 

Precautionary/Preparedness Actions:

A high wind warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage. 

For the most up to date weather information from the NWS please visit http://www.weather.gov/portland. This page brings up all advisories, watches, and warnings for the southwest Washington area.