Crews worked to clear debris on Interstate 5 on Sunday morning after a landslide created a widespread mess, temporarily closing a section of the major highway south of the Washington-Canadian border.
Officials from the Washington Department of Transportation (WDOT) reported that all lanes of northbound I-5, north of Iowa Street in Bellingham, were shut down around 5:45 a.m. PT following the landslide. The weather event occurred approximately one hour north of Seattle, depositing an estimated 2,000 cubic yards of debris across the highway.
The closure of northbound I-5 in Bellingham came with no estimated time for reopening. WDOT had previously warned of significant rainfall in the area, raising concerns about potential flooding on local roads.
Landslides are a frequent occurrence in mountainous regions and can be triggered by heavy rainfall. A photo shared by the state agency depicted a tractor-trailer caught in the debris field, surrounded by trees and mud scattered across the roadway. WDOT confirmed that a tow truck successfully removed the semi-truck from the mud and debris.
Transportation departments generally follow a systematic approach to respond to road closures caused by natural disasters. After a natural disaster, transportation officials conduct assessments to evaluate the extent of damage to roads and infrastructure. This includes inspecting the affected areas for safety hazards and determining the necessary repairs.
Many transportation departments have emergency response plans in place. These plans are activated to mobilize resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials needed for repairs and recovery efforts. Departments provide timely updates to the public through various communication channels, including social media, local news outlets, and official websites. They inform residents of road closures, detours, and safety advisories.
According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, Bellingham Airport recorded over 2 inches of rain within a two-hour span on Sunday morning, marking it as the town’s second-wettest October day on record. Several hours after the landslide, WDOT indicated that northbound I-5 remained closed in Bellingham, with no estimated time for reopening.