Here are dispatches from the flood zones Wednesday from Herald writers Diana Hefley, Krista Kapralos, Jim Haley and Kailtin Manry:
Flood “feast” in Snohomish
SNOHOMISH — School was closed in Snohomish Wednesday because of flooding. Some parents used the unexpected day off to bring children to get a close up view of the river raging past downtown.
“I thought it was a good opportunity to show them what Mother Nature can do,” said Shaunna Ballas, who brought her four children ages 5 to 13.
Jillian, 7, who attends Riverview Elementary, was scared of the torrent.
“Its a little bit fast and high,” she said. “Im glad we live on a hill.”
Music blared onto the streets from Chucks Seafood Grotto at the corner of First Street and Avenue D. Police allowed the crowds to gather at the edge of the Avenue D bridge crossing the Snohomish River.
“The tourists arent here for the antiques today, theyre here for the river,” said Achin Garcia, manager at Chucks Seafood Grotto. The restaurant was open until midnight last night, far past its usual closing time of 7:30 p.m., to serve all the people who had flocked downtown. Entire families came to watch the rising river.
“Its like a feast, a flood feast, and weve got the good view,” she said.
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Cautious optimism on Ebey Island
EVERETT — On Ebey Island just east of Everett, levees were holding Wednesday protecting about 100 residents, livestock and about 4,000 acres of agricultural land.
Chances appeared good that Ebey will dodge a repeat of severe flooding in 1990 and 1975, when the Island became a lake.
“The chances are excellent, considering the height of the river and how long its been up,” said Barney Bagwell, one of the dike district commissioners who oversee the levees on the island.
Bagwell said hes cautiously optimistic.
“Theres still time for a major washout, so its not time yet to get happy,” Bagwell said. “This will last a while but the fact we havent had any major blowouts is amazing.”
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Silvana starts to dry out
SILVANA — Silvana was drying out Wednesday. People cleaned debris out of their yards and mud out of their basements.
“For the most part in Silvana, its just a big muddy mess,” said Pastor Jeff Driscoll of Peace Lutheran Church in Silvana.
Near Stanwood, the Stillaguamish flooded valleys and farmland, creating lakes.
“Im just standing here looking at the fish,” said Scott Miller, as he sat overlooking the water across the street from his house. “Im wondering if its worth me trying to put a fishing pole in.”
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