Winterlike weather will settle in this weekend around Whatcom County, with wind, rain and cool temperatures expected to be the norm for at least the next few days, according to the National Weather Service.

Scattered reports of hailstorms, large tree branches in roadways, and downed power lines started coming in Friday afternoon, after residents had been warned to prepare for an incoming storm.

Gusts picked up to 25 mph in Bellingham, and a wind advisory was in effect until 7 p.m. Wind speeds are expected to ease off this weekend to a steady 10 mph.

But along the shoreline of Lummi Bay, gusts could exceed 45 mph Saturday night.

Less than an inch of rain has fallen in the past week in Bellingham, but wetter weather is forecasted for the weekend. Showers are at least 50 percent likely for at least the next three days, with an 80 percent chance of rain predicted Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

And temperatures in Bellingham aren't expected to rise above 50 degrees anytime soon, even after they peaked at 57 degrees Thursday.

Snow levels in the county are expected to drop to 1,500 to 2,000 feet, with snow possible in the foothills and on stretches of Mount Baker Highway.

If snowfall continues to accumulate in the North Cascades, as forecasters predict, Mt. Baker Ski Area could open within the next week, according to the ski area's website.

Rainfall and cooler temperatures were also expected in Lynden, Maple Falls and Deming at least through Tuesday.