Here’s why flooding is a concern through the weekend in Whatcom, Skagit counties
A flood watch remained in effect for Whatcom and Skagit counties as the Nooksack and Skagit rivers continued to rise and heavy rain swept Western Washington, especially in the North Cascades, where snowmelt added to already swollen rivers.
A flood warning was issued for the Skagit River in Concrete, with a crest above major flood stage expected late Friday, Nov. 12, according to data from NOAA’s Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service and the Northwest River Forecast Center.
Flooding was expected to extend downstream into Mount Vernon, according to a flood warning issued late Friday.
“The Skagit River will flood from Sedro-Woolley downstream through Mount Vernon to the mouth. Flood waters will inundate some low-lying roads, farmlands and residential areas,” the National Weather Service said online.
In Whatcom County, the Nooksack River was running near minor flood stage but not expected to top its banks, according to measuring stations at the Saxon Bridge in Acme, Nugents Corner, Everson and Ferndale.
Rivers were expected to start receding Saturday, Nov. 13.
But that could change as another Pineapple Express — or atmospheric river — is expected to bring drenching rain to both the lowlands and mountains of Western Washington on Sunday night, Nov. 14.
Forecast models for Whatcom County show the Nooksack cresting between minor to moderate flood stage at all measuring stations on Monday night, Nov. 15.
This story was originally published November 12, 2021 at 9:44 AM.
