Damaging winds expected with power outages likely from next Whatcom storm
A new weather forecast shows Bellingham and western Whatcom County in the path of the most destructive winds from a storm that is expected to topple trees and power lines.
“Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles,” the National Weather Service said in a high-wind warning issued early Tuesday, Jan. 5.
“People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive,” the forecast said.
The wind warning is in effect from noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday but the strongest winds were expected Tuesday afternoon.
South winds will blow at 35-45 mph, gusting to 60 mph — stronger than the storm that littered Whatcom County streets with branches and debris on Saturday, Jan. 2.
Up to 2 inches of rain was possible in the Whatcom County lowlands, and saturated soil from recent heavy rains could increase the threat of landslides, the weather service said.
More than 2 inches of rain has been measured in the past week at Bellingham International Airport, and parts of lowland Whatcom County have seen double that amount or more, according to the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow, a network of citizen scientists who make weather observations.
Puget Sound Energy had crews in the area ready to respond, said John Gargett, deputy director of the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management.
Stormy conditions were expected to decrease overnight, but more rain was expected Wednesday, Jan. 6.
Mostly sunny skies were on tap for Thursday, Jan. 7, the first sun in more than a week for Whatcom County residents.
Highs through Thursday will be near 50 degrees, with lows in the high 30s.
Snow in Cascades
Meanwhile, the North Cascades was under a winter storm warning Tuesday for winds gusting to 45 mph and up to 2 feet of new snow.
Mt. Baker Ski Area had 56 inches of snow in four days from Jan. 1 through 2 p.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle.
Some 16 more inches of snow had fallen from about 11 a.m. Monday to 11 a.m. Tuesday, the ski area reported at its website.
Avalanche danger was at high levels Tuesday and winter sports enthusiasts were advised to use caution in the Mount Baker wilderness.
Ski area officials warned skiers and snowboarders to keep their partners in sight and avoid deep snow around tree wells.
A gale warning was issued for the San Juan Islands and adjacent waters, including Bellingham Bay and the Georgia Strait.
“It is highly recommended that mariners without the proper experience seek safe harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions,” the weather service said online.
Southeast winds to 47 knots were possible Tuesday.
Little tidal effects or beach erosion was likely Tuesday, Gargett said.
This story was originally published January 5, 2021 at 8:30 AM.
