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Date: October 22, 2003
Time: 11:30 AM
From: Skagit County Public Works

SKAGIT FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT BEGINS TODAY

Skagit County officials are asking homeowners and business that received damage in the flood to call the Skagit County Public Works Department at 360 336-9400. It is important all citizens who received damage identify themselves and get on a list so that they can be contacted in the future if disaster assistance becomes available.

Motorists are still advised to avoid the South Fork Bridge over the Skagit River. It has been closed since last night and will remain closed until further notice by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The purpose of the closure is to remove a large debris jam that has accumulated against the bridge. Fir Island continues to be an evacuated area at this time.

Displaced residents are asked to not return to areas evacuated until officially given the OK to do so. When they do return, they are asked to take precautions to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy and to stay alert to possible changing conditions. Residents may find precautions from the Skagit County Health Department on the Skagit County website, www.skagitcounty.net, or by calling the Health Department at 336-9380.

The evacuation of the Riverbend area has now been lifted. Earlier this morning, the evacuation of portions of the City of Burlington was lifted.

The Skagit River at Mount Vernon is continuing to recede from the 36.2 feet crest registered at 11:15 PM last night. The reading at 11:00 this morning was 33.8 feet.
The Skagit crested at 42.2 feet at Concrete at 6:45 AM yesterday. At 11:00 AM today the Skagit River at Concrete was still above flood stage at 31.63 feet. Flood stage at both Concrete and Mount Vernon is 28 feet.

The latest prediction from the National Weather Service is that the Skagit River will drop below flood stage briefly by Wednesday afternoon then rise a few feet again before dropping below flood stage Saturday.

County and other officials and work crews continue to monitor the situation closely and take appropriate actions as necessary. Additional news releases will be issued as new information warrants. For updated Skagit River information call 419-3425, visit www.skagitcounty.net on the web or listen to local radio stations.