Storms approaching Whatcom County carry several potential threats
It’s going to look a lot more like autumn this weekend, as a pair of storm systems will bring wind and rain to lowland Whatcom County and snow to the mountains.
Moderate to heavy rain could make roads slippery and cause minor flooding in areas with poor drainage, creating difficult conditions for commuters Friday morning, Oct. 21, the National Weather Service said in an online briefing Wednesday, Oct. 19.
“Things will switch fairly drastically come Friday morning as rain begins in earnest along the coast, spreading inland by early afternoon,” meteorologist Maddie Kristell said in the online forecast discussion.
Gusty winds could cause localized power outages and tree limb damage, and temporary structures such as tents could be damaged.
“Oil and other debris on the road that has not been washed off in a while will contribute to potentially slick conditions when wet by rain. Allow for extra time to reach your destination,” Kristell said.
“Although the forecast does not call for substantially windy conditions, many of the trees are still holding their leaves and may be susceptible to damage. Isolated power impacts are possible as small branches feel the extra stress of the wind plus the dryness from a long spell without rain,” she said.
Moderate to heavy rain at times may lead to areas of standing water. Dry soils that have not been recently saturated often take longer to absorb moisture than those that have been saturated,” Kristell said.
Bellingham and lowland Whatcom County could get a half-inch, to 1.5 inches of rain — more rain than has fallen in nearly four months after an unusually dry summer.
Mountain snow levels will be around 4,000 feet on Saturday, with up to 5 inches of snow possible in the Mount Baker wilderness.
“A second, potentially wetter system will affect the area Sunday evening into Monday morning,” the weather service said.
