Series of storms bring wind, rain and snow to Whatcom County. Nooksack River nears flood stage
Rain is expected through the weekend and into next week as a series of strong Pacific storms are forecast for Western Washington, bringing lowland rain, mountain snow, thunderstorms and high surf.
One big storm next week has forecasters warning of heavy rain and strong winds with gusts to 35 mph in the Whatcom County lowlands on Tuesday night into Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Seattle said in an online briefing.
Forecasters issued a “hydrologic outlook” for several Washington counties, including Whatcom and Skagit, where rivers are expected to crest at or near flood stage next week.
About 1.5 to 3 inches of rain is forecast through Tuesday in lowland Whatcom County and the same amount could fall Tuesday through Thursday, for a possible total of 6 inches of rain in a week. Average November rainfall is 5.2 inches.
“The back-to-back-to-back rainfall will surely keep the rivers running high with additional rivers creeping up into ‘action stage’ and possibly minor flood stage. A potentially stronger weather system will impact Western Washington midweek,” the weather service said in an online briefing.
Data from the Northwest River Forecast Center shows the Nooksack River cresting just below flood stage Friday in Nugents Corner and at minor flood stage Ferndale.
“Flooding extent will depend on rainfall rates, temperatures, snow levels, and total rainfall with each of these weather systems next week, the weather service said.
Snow levels are expected between 4,000 to 5,000 feet.
All the snow has folks at the Mt. Baker Ski Area looking toward a possible early opening of the ski season.
“November is starting off with a bang!” the ski area’s website states.
This story was originally published November 9, 2024 at 1:06 PM.
