Flood: One year later is a multipart series exploring how the devastating November 2021 flooding changed the lives of Whatcom County and Skagit County residents, as well as bodies of government, over the past year. From farmers to mayors, the historic flooding led to economic challenges, developing plans for the future and preparative measures.
Written by Julia Lerner and Olivia Hobson // Edited by Audra Anderson // Photos by Hailey Hoffman
'All hell broke loose': One year post-flooding in Whatcom
County officials change emergency plans, procedures
Part one is an overview of the days before, during and after the November flooding and the lessons learned about emergency response and recovery.
A river's history: Lost connections between Nooksack, Fraser rivers and Sumas Lake
Geologic past reveals challenges of flood-management future
Part two explores the historical connection between the Nooksack and Fraser rivers, and Sumas Lake.
Outdated Whatcom County flood maps pose problems
Old maps lead to flood-management, risk-reduction challenges
Part three explores the effects of 40-year-old flood maps, which leave some communities underinsured and unprepared.
Faces of the Floods: NAPA Auto Parts owners Kaylene and BJ Edwards
‘Businesses around town felt like we were just pulling out of COVID, and now this’
Part four details what business owners experienced during the floods and in the year after.
Faces of the Floods: Everson Mayor John Perry
'We have to keep the mitigation planning efforts at the top of our stack'
Part five details what a mayor experienced during the floods and in the year after.
Faces of the Floods: Nooksack resident Cheryl Brown
'It feels so good, but very emotional'
Part six details what a homeowner experienced during the floods and in the year after.
Faces of the Floods: Search and rescue chairman Ryan Johnson
'It's so others may survive'
Part seven details what search and rescue experienced during the floods and in the year after.
Region's farmers adapt crops, prepare for future floods
November 2021 floods devastated agricultural community
Part eight explores how the flooding affected farmers in Whatcom and Skagit counties, in both finances and production.