Wind, heavy rain on tap for Western Washington, with Nooksack River flooding possible
Wind and heavy rain is forecast for the next several days in both the mountains and lowlands of Western Washington, causing the Nooksack River to rise toward flood stage.
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Seattle issued a “hydrologic outlook” on Sunday, warning that flooding is possible from an atmospheric river moving from the Olympics to Whatcom County.
Daytime temperatures are expected in the low 50s from Wednesday to Saturday.
“An atmospheric river storm system will move into the region on Tuesday, lifting a warm front and subsequent cold front across Western Washington mid-week and bringing in heavier precipitation and breezy winds,” meteorologist Anna Lindeman said online.
Timing and location of the heaviest precipitation was still uncertain, Lindeman said.
Rainfall of 5 to 10 inches in 48 hours was possible over the Washington coast and the Olympic Mountains, and higher amounts closer to Whatcom County.
South winds gusting to 50 mph were possible Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, especially north of Everett. Wind advisory was issued for western Whatcom County and a gale warning was posted for inland waters. Coastal areas of Whatcom County that should have the strongest winds include Bellingham Bay, Lummi Island, Birch Bay,Point Roberts, Point Whitehorn and Sandy Point.
“The northern half of the Western Washington Cascades could also see significant rain and snow with liquid amounts around 4 to 6 inches, and the lowlands could see rainfall amounts between 1 to 2 inches,” Lindeman said. “However, the exact details of the evolution of this atmospheric river event remain uncertain and will continue to be monitored. The incoming precipitation will likely cause significant rises to area rivers, with river flooding favored to occur but confidence is low over the (regional) extent and severity.”
Current estimates from the Northwest River Forecast Center show the Nooksack River rising to several feet below “action stage” by Thursday, a level about 2 feet below minor flood stage. Another spike in river height was possible just after Christmas because rain remains in the forecast.
Because the rainfall forecast is uncertain, Whatcom County officials are watching it closely along with another storm that could hit on the weekend, said Amy Cloud, spokeswoman for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management.
“Since weather is dynamic we are constantly monitoring and in regular contact with our partners at the county Public Works Department’s River and Flood Division and at the state. Later this week we’ll meet with county partners to assess conditions at that time and to make adjustments for the weekend, if necessary,” Cloud told The Bellingham Herald in an email.
This story was originally published December 16, 2024 at 4:20 PM.
