A combination of late fall storms and high tides has caused flooding and damage to some homes and at least one business along the Whatcom County coastline, forcing the closure of a section of Birch Bay Drive on Monday morning, Dec. 17.
A community shelter for residents displaced by the storm has been opened at the North Whatcom Fire & Rescue station at 4581 Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
Many other roads have significant flooding; avoid them or use caution while driving. Remember that if the water reaches your vehicle’s tailpipe, it can stall the car.
The flooding also can leave debris over roads. City and county public works officials may close other roads if problems persist. The flooding is expected to decrease as the tide levels fall.
For the status of county roads, go to co.whatcom.wa.us/publicworks/roadclosures.
To report water or debris over the roadway, please contact Whatcom County Public Works at 360-676-6759 or 360-380-8111.
Snow showers are likely in the Bellingham area Monday night, though only about one inch is possible, according to the National Weather Service. Overnight low temperatures are expected to drop to the upper 20s to mid 30s.
