Current:Home > MySmell that? A strange odor has made its way across southwest Washington state-LoTradeCoin
Smell that? A strange odor has made its way across southwest Washington state
View Date:2024-12-23 16:36:02
An unpleasant and mysterious odor has lingered in southwest Washington state, wafting over multiple communities overnight.
Cowlitz County Emergency Management Services began to field 911 calls from residents about the smell around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, according to a statement obtained by USA TODAY.
The smell, according to Cowlitz County, seemed to have wafted through South Kelso, Rose Valley, Kalama, Woodland and Cumbia County before it hit Portland.
“The source of the odor and what the odor is/was, are still unknown and under investigation,” Cowlitz County wrote.
A couple of theories have emerged in the hours since the smell was first reported, according to the county, including a “ship, train, highway transportation leak; Scappoose Bio Solids; industry; pipelines; natural gas; Mt St Helens; and ground movement.”
“Complaints have varied from unpleasant odors to minor health issues. All agencies continue to work on the situation,” according to Cowlitz County EMS.
Unpleasant odor complaints vary, have been ‘very inconsistent’
Wind conditions, according to Cowlitz County, were “variable” in direction and speed up until 6 p.m., moving outside of the north and northwest part of the region from Longview towards Portland gradually.
Multiple Cowlitz County agencies responded to odor complaints made in the area as a result of the wind’s path starting Tuesday evening.
Cowlitz County EMS were working with both local and federal agencies to figure out the cause of the odor. Even the National Weather Service has weighed in on the matter, mapping the path of the “strange smell” on social media.
“By tracking winds, we can estimate the path that it may have taken, briefly drifting down near Vancouver WA before southerly winds around 4AM would have pushed it back north again.”
Cowlitz County EMS noted that the identification of the smell was “unusually very inconsistent.”
“Descriptions have varied from, similar to natural gas, propane, burning garbage, burning rubber, ammonia, and others. As of this briefing, complaints have varied from unpleasant odors to minor health issues.”
No ‘abnormal activities or readings’ from Mount St. Helens
Cowlitz County EMS checked the Cascades Volcano Observatory to see if there was a connection between Mt. St. Helens and the reported odor.
Some residents have even wondered if the source of the odor is tied to Mount St. Helens or volcanic activity in some way.
“Given the sulfur smell people have described and no known origin at this point as well as the widespread sensation, I’m wondering if it could be volcanic in nature,” one user wrote under the National Weather Service’s post.
Another asked, “what’s up with Mt St Helen’s ?? anyone @MtStHelensNVM that makes the most sense yall anyone seismic stuff going on.”
But, according to The Cascades Volcano Observatory, there have been “no abnormal activities or readings” in air quality and seismic activity coming from Mt. St. Helens as Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon.
Residents have taken to social media to express their thoughts and feelings about the situation, writing in X and Facebook comments that the smell was "weird" and "strong." Others wondered how dangerous the odor really was and why officials failed to provide a concrete answer about the odor and where it came from.
veryGood! (23614)
Related
- Rōki Sasaki is coming to MLB: Dodgers the favorite to sign Japanese ace for cheap?
- Dr. Cornel West Is Running to Become President of the United States. What Are His Views on Climate Change and the Environment?
- 'Jersey Shore' star Mike Sorrentino shares video of his two-year-old kid choking rescue
- Full transcript of Face the Nation, Feb. 4, 2024
- DWTS’ Sasha Farber and Jenn Tran Prove They're Closer Than Ever Amid Romance Rumors
- Jenna Ortega’s Thoughts on Beetlejuice 2 Costar Wyonna Ryder Will Make You Excited for Showtime
- Sen. Kyrsten Sinema rebukes election question that makes Americans really hate politics
- Brutally honest reviews of every 2024 Grammys performance, including Dua Lipa and Billie Eilish
- Satellite images and documents indicate China working on nuclear propulsion for new aircraft carrier
- North Korea fires multiple cruise missiles into the sea, extending recent testing spree
Ranking
- Massachusetts lawmakers to consider a soccer stadium for the New England Revolution
- Why Miley Cyrus Called Out Audience at 2024 Grammy Awards
- Richard Caster, a 3-time Pro Bowl tight end and wide receiver for the Jets, dies at 75
- Streaming services can cost a pretty penny: Here are 7 ways to cut down on your bill
- West Virginia expands education savings account program for military families
- National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan says U.S. will press relentlessly for Hamas to release hostages
- I was wrong: Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce romance isn't fake. Apologies, you lovebirds.
- Mega Millions jackpot climbs to $333 million for Feb. 2 drawing. See the winning numbers
Recommendation
-
Mike Tyson has lived a wild life. These 10 big moments have defined his career
-
Fantasy football meets Taylor Swift in massive 'Swiftball' competition
-
Why Miley Cyrus Called Out Audience at 2024 Grammy Awards
-
Pigeon detained on suspicion of spying released after eight months
-
Channing Tatum Drops Shirtless Selfie After Zoë Kravitz Breakup
-
How Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Played a Role in Taylor Swift's Tortured Poets Department Cover
-
How Las Vegas evolved from Sin City to Super Bowl host
-
Ariana Grande Shares Touching Tribute to Victoria Monét After 2024 Grammys Win