I have been trying to find out info about the Long Beach pennisula, do they have power?, roads closures, damage, winds speeds, but none of the Portland or Seattle news stations have covered that area today.

I too am trying to find out what is happening on the Long Beach Peninsula. No one between Portland or Seattle is giving any information about that area of the state and many of us family out there.

I'm in South Bend, Pacific County seat. Have not heard any info on Long Beach but do know that South Bend and Raymond are completely without power with lots of downed trees and wind damage to buildings and homes.

I too am from Long Beach. I bailed out two nights ago in anticipation of this storm. I am worried about my home (an RV parked at Andersen's). I worry I will come back to find my little home shredded. :(

Can't believe the lack of coverage for Pacific county! We have flooding, road closures, wind damage and power outages. A very large tree, about 3 foot thick, across the street from my house blew over, hit my house and rolled off the roof, landing between mine and neighbors house. It took out power and phone lines from my house, cracked an interior wall and I wasn't able to check on the roof damage for fear of getting hit by something. I've heard reports from friends and family in Raymond and South Bend of roofs blown off houses and windows blown out. There was flooding across Hiway 101 in South Bend earlier today.Hiway 6 east of Raymond may still be closed because of flooding. Verizon and US Cellular phones are out of service. It is bad here but sitll haven't heard any news from the Long Beach area, which is Southwest from South Bend. I am at work with a generator which is the only way I can get outside information.

PLEASE keep the Pacific County updates coming. Our entire family is on the peninsula and this blog seems to be the only place between Oregon and Washington that has any info. Hopefully we will hear something more later, but I will bookmark this blog. I REALLY appreciate your efforts.

Haven't gotten much more information. I was told that Hiway 101 between Raymond and Aberdeen is still closed and may be for a few days. I've not gotten any reports about south of South Bend. I've also not heard anything about hiway 105, Raymond to Westport/Aberdeen via Tokeland/North Cove area. The rain and the winds have let up here, but the last twenty four hours have been horrible and still no cell phone service! This will be my last entry as I get off work at midnight and will be gone on my two days off. Good luck to all!

My elderly parents live in Ocean Park (north of Long Beach) and we have not heard from them nor can we get thru to them. Neither one of them is in good health and able to do too much. My step-dad is on a breathing machine at night and has been having heart trouble. How do I get ahold of somebody to do a welfare check on them? I would start over there, but looks like all the roads are closed from Grant County to there. Can you please suggest who I can contact to help me find out if they are okay? Thank you so much.

Start with you local law enforcement. They should be able to at least direct you, if not help themselves. Good luck and let us know if you hear anything. This seems to be the only place for any news at all.

I hear 20 miles of I-5 is closed in the Chehalis area; how much of the freeway is actually under water? Anyone know?

I'm also not too surprised about the lack of info from Pacific Co., and Long Beach; it's probably hard to get into the areas.

We just moved from the Penninsula and are worried about everyone there. I telecommute to Ocean Beach Medical Clinic and haven't been able to make contact. If I hear anything I will post here.

Does anyone have an info on the Westport/Grayland/Tokeland area? Has Washaway Beach been washed away? Is Tokeland now an island?
With no one in or out it is frustrating trying to get info.

I just talked to the Washington State Patrol District 8 Headquarters and was told that they have no information for that area of the state and are not in contact with the local offices. He suggested I watch the news and go to television and newspaper websites, but also admitted that they don't appear to have information either.

I started a string on a website I frequent called topix, specifically on Westport and the Harbor. They post news stories there but there was no updates about the storm, not a word. We will see if anyone responds. If they do I will repost or if you are interested you can go to http://www.topix.com/city/westport-wa
It's free but might be a starting point.

http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2007/12/roads_closed_on_parts_of_long.html
Found one story from the Oregonian, (see above link) that tells a little about the Long Beach area, sounds like lots of trees down and water over roadways but that is about it for information.
http://www.chinookobserver.info/
Here is another link to the Chinook Observer which has some more information about the Storm and Long Beach.
Good luck.

Just spoke to a former neighbor of mine from Westport. He tried to get out yesterday, but no luck. He remembered my shortcut, took it, and made it out today. Now he's in Oly and reports that Westport has no power at all. The bulk of the power poles are cracked and at a 45 degree angle and wires are just dangling. There is little traffic control so driving at night is a hazard. From what he saw the damage was mostly trees and power poles down. No electricity and no phone service. The same in Aberdeen, as we know. He hadn't ventured any further south, so no word on Grayland and such. Thanks to you all for trying to get info; The Daily World (Aberdeen paper) is without power (prnting out of Oly), so no one has ventured out to the coastal towns.

I have a friend who has family in Chinook that operate a ham radio network. They are only able to get about a mile outside of Chinook before the road is too blocked to even get through with an ATV. They are organizing a group to try to make their way to the peninsula and the surrounding areas. They said that the two biggest concerns are gas and food, and how those will effect the at-risk population. They also said that the Astoria bridge is closed and word of mouth and ham reports are that it will be 2-3 days before power is restored to the area. Again, all of this is through quite a network of people so take it for what it is. Personally, my husband or I have talked to the state patrol, the Oregonian, the Columbian, and the Longview Daily News and all of them say that nothing is getting in or out of the region and it is becoming a developing story...FINALLY!

I just got back from the Long Beach area. The only way from Longview anyway is on the Oregon side, US30, it is open with only a few delays for Utility crews. The bridge is open, and you can only get gas at the Safeway in Astoria or the Shell in Seaview, Wa. No power in Astoria, or anywhere on the Long Beach Pennisula. I went to Ocean Park and no problem going via Chinook and through Long Beach. Little if any flooding, mostly trees on power lines. Sand ridge road was closed. Power will be a few more days. It was fairly dry and calm

A note to all, that in MONTESANO the MOOSE LODGE is open for food and water and is open to all in need. We are a local shelter and have donations and hot food. The lodge is loated on the monte brady road just about half mile out of town.

I can not believe our local news channels were so slow getting any info about the south sound my inlaws are around the chehalis-pe ell area and knew the water levels there were the worst in the state but could not get any info until tuesday at the noon news. All these idiots wanted to talk about was seattle like they are the only people that matter in the state. Ive watched all the news I could all about king county roads washed out while my inlaws are being airlifted from the roof of their house with ten feet of water around them. They had a farm with 300 cows, they have farmed all there lives these cows are like your family dogs and cats to them. we all had tears in our eyes hearing how they had to leave them. I am just disappointed with the news not being on top of things, its Wednesday which feels like forever past the event and they are finally saying the south sound is much worse than previously thought or admitting they were the hardest hit not seattle.The news people are laughing dancing around while things are very serious down here and its going to take a long long time to get things back to normal. Wonder if anybody else was thinking the same thing.

I am looking for info on Warrenton, OR My Antie and 2 cousins and the phones dont work, and i have checked tv and internet.
family in MN keep calling me...(in Everett) I can't find anything out.

re: Mary Dec 4th 5:12 am

Still unable to get thru to my parents in Ocean Park. No Cell service or land lines. It is somewhat comforting to hear all the reports from you folks that DO know something. Mike F eased my mind some because he had actually been to Ocean Park. Hopefully the power will be restored very soon and we will ALL hear from our loved ones that they are alright. It is just so hard not knowing.

There is a good story with a Pacific county update, as well as Wahkiakum county, on tdn.com

Not as rosey a picture as Mike F posted, but at least it is news.

A co-worker's mother is in Warrenton and he talked to her via Verizon yesterday for a few minutes before the signal was lost. There is quite a bit of damage, but traffic has begun to move on Highway 30 in and out of Astoria. The biggest problem right now is gasoline. Apparently only 1 station is working and it is being hand pumped for $5 per gal and only into gas cans. There is a concern about the temps that are coming because those without a fireplace will be cold - generators are only useful if you have gas. Water quality is holding but they will need to have power soon. I heard today that they think they may have some phones up soon, and probably before power.

A co-worker's mother is in Warrenton and he talked to her via Verizon yesterday for a few minutes before the signal was lost. There is quite a bit of damage, but traffic has begun to move on Highway 30 in and out of Astoria. The biggest problem right now is gasoline. Apparently only 1 station is working and it is being hand pumped for $5 per gal and only into gas cans. There is a concern about the temps that are coming because those without a fireplace will be cold - generators are only useful if you have gas. Water quality is holding but they will need to have power soon. I heard today that they think they may have some phones up soon, and probably before power.

My parents just called from Cathlamet and they are inching their way back to Vancouver from Long Beach. Two roads are getting out (one toward Olympia the other toward Longview), although progress is slow. Power is back on in pockets, including Long Beach. She said that local officials are doing an amazing job checking on the elderly, setting up soup kitchens, etc.

Any news about Ocean Shores

Had a call from Lincoln City about a house I was renting for Xmas in Pacific City, OR. That house was just remodeled and now it is uninhabitable. Pacific City (Cape Kiwanda) is without power and phones, but phones and power are back in most of Lincoln City. Hwy 18, to Lincoln City, is now open.
My Xmas giving for charities is now going to coastal reliefe. I hope, if you are able, that you'll join me.

In case you can't get NWCN or KGW (I live in Portland and monitor KING, KKGW and NWCN by computer). KKGW had a great report tonight on Warrenton and Astoria. You can watch the video at KKGW.com on your computer. The other two probably have it too.

I am sure glad I was looking for a place to voice my unhappiness about the lack of news for the Long Beach Peninsula area. I have family and friends who I have been concerned about since the storm hit. I have learned more on this blog than on any of the news stations. On 12-4-07 the news stations in the Seattle/Portland areas were advised P.A.C.E was serving free hot meals to anyone who was in need in the Long Beach and Ilwaco areas. Although, there is not a lot of flooding the wind has really made a mess. My Dad has had intermittent cell phone capabilities and shared that the power in Long Beach came on about 4 AM this morning - Wed. clear to Ocean Park. So, things may be at least a bit warmer on the cold nights which are coming but it does not appear they are in the clear in this area yet.

I have concerns about residents and their livestock on a large horse farm 5 miles east of Pe Ell on highway 6 or 20 miles west on highway 6 from I-5. They are known as Woodstead Farm. They are one of largest Thoroughbred farms in our state and host some of the premier race horse stallions. With river in back of property and a prominent creek going thru the middle I wonder if anyone has the status of the farm owners and their horses. I have been trying to reach them and so has friends and even their veterinarian. Since King 5 has had reporters in and Near Pe Ell can you tell me anything or anyone else? Their address is 4840 Highway 6 Chehalis, Wa.

There is an article in today's Oregonian (Thurs) about the town between Chehalis and Pe Ell, so you might want to read that. You can read it by going to Oregonlive.com. I'm sorry I can't help you any more than that. Hope all is well for your friends...

I just checked with The Daily World (Aberdeen WA) newspaper and they have not had an updated front page since Tuesday. Probably means their power is STILL out and guess Oly isn't helping with online stuff. Wow, what would all the coastal folks do if we had a Tsunami??? Something has got to change with communications for the coast. If we're frustrated, how about those folks out there!?!?!

My parents made it in from Long Beach yesterday. They said that the local and county officials, the state patrol, WSDOT, were amazing and working tirelessly on the Long Beach Peninsula. They said that the biggest failure seems to be that the state has no means of communication with the Pacific/Wahkiakum County officials when all normal lines are out. When I called news sources were all quick to tell me, in Vancouver, that they had no access to the area and were waiting for some news from the state, but if they could have relayed that often to the public, it would at least have let us know what the hold-up was and what situations were complicating communication and the flow of information. Since our world is a changin' we had better take a look at our emergency management system outside of the large counties and remember that it is the smaller communities that are really most at risk during emergencies. Things my family learned are: make sure a circle of family and friends have a complete list of emergency contacts outside of the area you live in or visit often, keep a gas can filled in the garage, keep a block of ice in the refrigerator, have a hand-crank radio and flashlight, and a few gallons of water on the shelf. Finally, as the only member of my family out of harms way between Sunday and Wednesday, I have to say that I was angered by the lack of information available to the public from news sources, the State Patrol, and the state government; it seemed like since my family was outside of the I-5 corridor or not on the Oregon Coast or Central Washington Coast, my family didn't really matter. BUT, I was amazed by the people I found on the internet and through contacts I made through them and people I work with. I was amazed and delighted to hear from ham operators who wanted to help, people willing to go back to webpages to tell all they knew even after their loved ones were located, and the general camaraderie I felt with many people I will never meet. Thank you for all being you...Washingtonians are truly an amazing breed and I am proud to count myself in your ranks. I am signing off, but if I hear any more, I will let you all know. Good Luck!

looking for info about Ocean Shores...other than the IGA carbon monoxide poisoning. Any news on power, damage, etc...we have traler over there and just wondering if it still there?

Just wanted to update everyone that The Daily World now has another issue on line. Very little info about the coast, but progress is being made, albeit s l o w l y! Monte got hit much harder than I thought...a surprise!

CAL
I have heard that Ocean Shores has trees down, it didn't sink in to the Ocean. They have two shelters set up one at the Luthern Church and another at the Senior Center. Spirits are up and sounds like power might be back tonight. Spoke to a friend who is down in OS right now, they said things didn't look too bad.
Remember Folks the Daily World is in Aberdeen and was without power. They had limited access to the Olympian as I am sure the Olympian was very busy as well. Today the Daily World had numerous postings in regards to the status of the Harbor. Sounds like the Harbor was spared last night with the thought of flood waters coming down the river and high tides from the ocean meeting up.

I live in Ocean Shores and thank God..literally, for the local Galiean Lutheran Church. Our local pastor Bob Hoem, has become our community official and the church congregation are making and serving food morning, noon and night. They stepped up to the plate and have initiated our emergency plan, providing food and shelter for the community, the senior center is also cooking food. Both of these places may seat 70 people, thats it for the entire beach area. Still people are reluctant to leave homes with a bunch of kids in tow or to leave pets, so they may come eat and go back to cold homes, being careful not use valued resources as we dont know if the firewood we have will last or the candles..Knock knock..anybody listening?? Then there are the frail, elderly, disabled or folks without the means or have no transportation to get to the shelter, I have no way of knowing how many are out there.
I need one of my "officials" to tell me what the plan is..just how long does this take, if we were in India, someone would have dropped some rice or something. It is now the 5th day without electric, I have called Norm Dicks office and was transferred to Emergency manangement, I asked what the plan was and if we would be getting some dry ice, water..the basics, I was told that as of Thrusday night there was no plan to have dry ice delivered, really..I could not believe it. I was told those things (may) be available if we wanted to drive to Aberdeen, which is a half hour drive one way. Much needed batteries showed up at the local ACE today, of course no one has cash, but they will take checks, so that is good. The IGA opened then closed as people got sick because of generator problem. We were able to get gas after waiting in line for 2 hours. We are older and dont have kids, I dont know what I would do if I had to worry about keeping kids warm and fed. We also live in town so there is water. Wells operate on electric..so there are a bunch of folks up the beach without water..anyone listening yet?? It is cold and I have a fireplace, wood is running low. This is ridiculous and the state should be ashamed with the way this has been handled. I was told to call my local official..errr..ok..who may that be..and then to relay my needs to the police, yes this is from emergency management. The handful of very capable police do not need to hear what the folks need to survive, they need to help with emergencies, and when they get home, probably have the same needs as the rest of us, wood, dry ice, candles, batteries, food and maybe water, depending on where they live. How many people will be found dead in homes as they huddle to stay warm around propane stoves. I am told that the Governor is trying to figure out priorities..the list is easy, folks who are on wells need water, not tomorrow, three days ago, the road is passable. We need dry ice, not tomorrow two days ago before food totally spoiled. I tossed most of my fridge today..and the freezer will be a loss tomorrow. We need firewood and a steady supply of gasoline. The basics are not complicated, just fill up a truck. If my neighbor can drive to olympia, a truck can come from olympia. WE are totally relying on info from a local radio station run by volunteers and on generators. I have yet to hear from any officials except the PUD lady who is telling us when to expect power. I think my officials must all be in a "meeting" or Christmas shopping,cause I have not seen them or heard from them. One thing I do know is we will survive this, and will learn from it and someone will have a load of BS lined up for us, it is an election year, so the BS will be especially interesting. Of course the PUD is thanking us for our patience, I believe those hardworking dedicated folks are out there doing what they can to bring us lights..so what is the Governor saying, why did everything I have in the fridge spoil, while an assessment is being made? no one warned us of this storm as they did last years "30 year storm". This community has come together donating whatever food we have to the church so that they can feed the masses..will someone see that one of my officials gets this message?? Sad, SAD SAD...did we not learn a thing from katrina. My battery is gone...so..make some calls for us, we only have the local radio station to rely on for news. I dont care what Macys has on sale or what the score of yesterdays football game is or what paris hilton is wearing, heck. Tell me how long eggs last in a fridge without electric or how to make candles with used wax..or...done...send ice..thank you

Andrea,
Sound like you have been heard. From what I understand they are sending supplies out to the IGA for distribution.
Hope things are going better for you, my prayers are with you and the rest of the peeps on the Harbor.

To Chris Daniels:
Thanks for making this blog available to everyone. Info was hard to come by, but there is comfort in knowing you are not alone in your darkest moments. I pray you will make this blog available to someone who might be able to use it to make a difference for the next time...and there will be a next time.

Amen