x
Breaking News
More () »

'It's a great community:' Whatcom County town bouncing back after major flooding

The town of Sumas near the Canadian border is cleaning up after the Nooksack River flooded. The border crossing reopened Monday after closing due to flooding.

SUMAS, Wash. — Floodwaters from the Nooksack River took over the small Washington-Canadian border town of Sumas, filling the town with water Saturday evening.

Flooding remained in the area throughout the day on Sunday. It was so bad that kayakers were able to paddle through the downtown area in front of a shutdown border crossing. The border crossing closed due to flooding on Saturday but reopened Monday morning.

“I think it's called the 100-year flood. Unfortunately, we've had a couple in the last 30 years now instead of a hundred,” said long-time resident Jodi Postma.

Residents were ready as they could be when the flooding arrived in Sumas.

“They sounded the siren last night at 7 p.m. to let us know that it was coming,” explained Postma.

RELATED: What does cresting mean? Flooding terminology explained

This is the first time Postma has heard the city utilize their flood siren.

"It reminded you of being in a war zone or something,” she explained.

Long before the siren, the town had put warnings on social media and recruited volunteers to fill sandbags. Mayor Kyle Christensen said everyone has been pitching in and taking care of their neighbors.

There is water in homes but the area is a flood plain, so most people should be insured.

“Until we can get the water levels down we don't know the extent of the damage to all the homes,” Christensen explained.

There was also a power outage on Saturday, but that was restored by the afternoon. The city’s drinking water is still considered safe because the aquifer is a long distance from where the flooding occurred.

The border crossing into Canada closed Saturday evening when water washed over Cherry Street. Water went inside many businesses, including the town's only medical clinic.

RELATED: Popular myths about western Washington flooding debunked

“Because of the power outage, we lost about $6,000 worth of vaccinations, which is a problem, but we'll have to deal with that," said Dr. Rodney Thompson, with the medical clinic.

Longtime residents said they have seen worse. About 30 years ago, floodwaters were even deeper than they were over the weekend. Still, whenever things get bad around Sumas, it always brings the good out in those who call this place home.

“Sumas definitely has that small-town feel. It's a great community,” Christensen explained.

The water is receding quickly and the community hopes to hold a large clean-up on Tuesday and assess if the town needs any outside resources, including state or federal help.

Classes in the Nooksack Valley School District are canceled Monday due to the flooding.

Before You Leave, Check This Out