Off topic - Southwest Washington flood
Laura & Dave (Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:54:14 PST)

Hi folks

We live just a few miles north of the incredible area of flood and wind
damage that occurred the first of this week. The coastal areas had 100
mph winds (not just gusts), and the whole area had 4-6 inches of rain in
~36 hours. The floods at least equal the worst on record, and because
of the rapid rise of water (5 feet in 2 1/2 hours at one location), the
damage is severe. The farms and dairy farms have been hard hit, and
have immediate problems with wet bedding, wet feed and animal disposal.
Our one north/south interstate was closed for 3 days, and has only one
lane open in each direction, for large trucks only. If you know people
in the area, especially if they live (lived) near the scenic rivers, you
might want to check on them. However, many areas still have no phones
or power. The response has been good, from days of helicopters
rescuing stranded residents, to supplies being collected and distributed
where needed.

Dave Brastow, Tumwater, Washington, 7A (lucky this time!)