Wind warning issued for strong storm approaching Whatcom
It might be a good idea to make sure your holiday decorations are secure because strong winds are expected overnight Friday in Whatcom County from a storm that battering Western Washington.
National Weather Service forecasters issued a warning for south winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts ranging from 50 to 60 mph from 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, to 4 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11.
“Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines,” the weather service said online. “Power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. 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.”
Affected areas include Bellingham and western Whatcom County.
Winds forecast for Friday night are part of an arctic storm fueled with subtropical moisture that will bring blizzard-like conditions to the Mount Baker wilderness and strong winds and heavy rain to the Whatcom County lowlands.
Weekend snowstorm
Preparations were continuing for the Mt. Baker Ski Area’s opening date of Wednesday, Dec. 15, after mid-November rainstorms in the mountains melted most of the early season snow.
Some 18 to 30 inches of snow was forecast for the Mount Baker wilderness during a storm that’s expected to hit late Friday and continue into Saturday, Dec. 11.
A winter storm watch was in effect for the North Cascades above 3,000 feet, along with winds gusting to 40 mph.
Travelers and snow-sports enthusiasts were encouraged to check the forecast and road conditions before hitting the road, and the Northwest Avalanche Center issued an advisory.
“Winter returns as successive storms this week build back snowpack and increase the amount of terrain where avalanches are possible,” the avalanche center said online. “If you see recent avalanches, shooting cracks, or feel collapses, seek out simple terrain less than 35 degrees.”
Snow is in the forecast for the Mount Baker wilderness every day through at least Wednesday, Dec. 15.
Lowland wind, rain
Meanwhile, the Whatcom County lowlands will see 1 to 1.5 inches of rain, along with strong, gusty winds as arctic air mixes with moisture from the tropics.
River flooding was not expected, but pooling could happen on roads and in low-lying areas where the ground is saturated from weeks of rain.
“Strong winds are possible on the coast and Whatcom, Skagit, and Island counties, with sustained winds as high as 40 mph with gusts as high as 60 mph Friday night and Saturday morning,” the National Weather Service said online.
Trees could fall into power lines because of soggy ground.
Daytime highs will be in the upper 40s, with lows in the mid-30s, according to the forecast.
