Flood watch issued for Nooksack as storm bears down on Whatcom County
Flooding is now possible in several places along the Nooksack River, the National Weather Service said in issuing a flood watch for Whatcom County as a storm carrying strong wind and heavy rain hit Western Washington.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the weather service said late Thursday afternoon, Nov. 3.
A flood watch was in effect from 5 p.m. Thursday to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5.
In addition, new data from the Northwest River Forecast Center shows the Nooksack’s south fork cresting above flood stage at the Saxon Bridge in Acme late Friday, Nov. 4, and cresting just at flood stage in Ferndale on Saturday.
Forecasts still show the Nooksack cresting below flood stage at Nugents Corner on Saturday.
A soaking-wet superstorm called an atmospheric river will drench Western Washington from Thursday night until Saturday morning, bringing as much as 3 inches of rain to Bellingham, with higher amounts inland and up to 6 inches in the mountains.
“This rainfall will result in rapid rises and potential for flooding along area rivers. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop,” the weather service said.
Thursday’s flood watch joined a wind advisory for south-to-southeast winds gusting up to 50 mph near Bellingham.
That wind advisory was in effect until 5 a.m. Friday.
A few power outages are possible.
This story was originally published November 3, 2022 at 4:56 PM.
