People in Whatcom County impacted by the damaging windstorm on Nov. 19, 2024, can now access individual assistance funding, after Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency on Jan. 7.
Caused by an offshore “bomb cyclone,” the easterly windstorm struck much of the Puget Sound area, killing two people and leaving more than half a million people without power. No storm-related injuries or fatalities were reported in Whatcom County, but the storm hit Sudden Valley hard, where the unusual wind direction stressed trees that are normally exposed to more southerly and westerly wind patterns.
More than 40 structures in the forested community were damaged in the storm and several households were displaced, prompting the county executive to pronounce the situation an ongoing emergency on Dec. 6.
The governor’s Proclamation 25-01 unlocks $1 million in state funding to support ongoing recovery efforts, and prepares the state to seek federal funding to repair damaged public infrastructure.
The proclamation applies to residents who suffered storm damage in Whatcom, King and Snohomish counties. According to the Tuesday announcement, to qualify for state assistance, individuals must:
- Have a household income at or below 80% of the area median income based on the number of people in the household. In Whatcom County, the threshold for a family of four is $84,450;
- Provide proof that the November storm either destroyed their home or caused major damage that makes the residence uninhabitable; and
- Have uninsured losses, and provide any claim settlement information related to the disaster.
The state can provide eligible individuals with funds for home repairs, limited lodging and meal costs, and additional household needs. For more information on the program and to apply for state assistance, Whatcom County residents should visit the county emergency management department’s November 2024 Bomb Cyclone webpage.
Julia Tellman writes about civic issues and anything else that happens to cross her desk; contact her at juliatellman@cascadiadaily.com.
