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Flood: One year later

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

Nooksack River near Lynden

'All hell broke loose'

One year post-flooding in Whatcom: County officials change emergency plans, procedures

This part of the series 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

This part of the series explores the historical connection between the Nooksack and Fraser rivers, and Sumas Lake.

The Nooksack River flooded from the banks beyond the tree line, damaging surrounding farms, homes and the town of Everson.

Outdated Whatcom County flood maps pose problems

Old maps lead to flood-management, risk-reduction challenges

This part of the series explores the effects of 40-year-old flood maps, which leave some communities underinsured and unprepared.

Owners NAME and NAME stand in their Sumas Napa Automotive Parts shop on Nov. 3. Their shop withstood severe damage and debris from flooding last fall.

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’

This part of the series details what business owners experienced during the floods and in the year after.

Mayor John Perry sstands ont he main street of Everson on Nov. 3.

Faces of the Floods: Everson Mayor John Perry

'We have to keep the mitigation planning efforts at the top of our stack'

This part of the series 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'

This part of the series 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'

This part of the series details what search and rescue experienced during the floods and in the year after.

In November 2021, Francisco Farias's 6-acre farm was heavily flooded by the Skagit River.

Region's farmers adapt crops, prepare for future floods

November 2021 floods devastated agricultural community

This final part of the series explores how the flooding affected farmers in Whatcom and Skagit counties, in both finances and production.