Weather Service warns weekend storm means possible flooding for coastal Whatcom County
Another blustery weekend is in the forecast for Bellingham and the rest of Whatcom County as a storm that’s packing gusty winds arrives Saturday, coinciding with extreme tidal action.
Gale watches were posted, a coastal flood advisory was issued, and a winter storm warning was in effect for the west slopes of the North Cascades, the Nation Weather Service said.
As a precaution, Highway 20 was to close Friday afternoon east of Newhalem in Whatcom County, the Washington State Department of Transportation said.
“The next frontal system will move across the area on Saturday, bringing another round of widespread precipitation, breezy winds, and mountain snow,” weather service meteorologist Kayla Mazurkiewicz said online.
Widespread minor coastal flooding is possible Saturday with up to 2.5 feet of inundation during high tide. High tides of 9 feet or greater as expected in Bellingham Bay on Saturday and Sunday mornings and afternoons.
Heavy snow is forecast in the North Cascades above 2,000 feet, with total accumulations between 1 and 2 feet.
Forecast show the Nooksack River cresting near the “action stage” of 15 feet in Ferndale, and flooding was not expected.
