Holiday storm expected to bring fierce wind, rain to Whatcom County; snow in the mountains
Several strong storms are forecast for this week across Western Washington, prompting concern from public officials who are worried about its effects on the region.
“An atmospheric river Christmas day into Thursday will bring the concern for high wind, heavy rain, and heavy mountain snow. This will be followed by additional systems Friday into this weekend, potentially impacting holiday travel,” the National Weather Service said in an online briefing Monday.
A storm system that’s arriving overnight Monday into Tuesday was expected to bring gusty winds and rain Tuesday morning, but Wednesday’s forecast is what’s causing the most concern.
Gusts of 50-55 mph are expected Wednesday in the Bellingham area and southwestern Whatcom County, along with an inch to 1.5 inches of rain. A wind advisory was in effect for western Whatcom and Skagit counties from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, followed by a high wind watch from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 1 p.m. Thursday.
Snow is expected above 3,000 feet in the mountains, where a winter storm warning was in effect from 4 p.m. Tuesday to 10 p.m. Thursday.
A gale warning was in effort for Whatcom County coastal waters, said Matt Klein, deputy director of the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management.
“Residents with boats in marinas should take pre-emptive actions to secure their vessels. People living on the coast should be prepared for high winds. There is potential concern over early Christmas morning, into Thursday morning. Peak wind gusts may reach over 45 knots from the southeast,” Klein said in an email.
Power outages are possible, Puget Sound Energy told customers at its website.
“We have been watching the forecast since late last week and preparing for stormy weather. Our Emergency Coordination Center and local storm bases are opening in advance of the incoming weather, and crews will deploy with assignments as it’s safe to do so. Additional line and tree crews from outside the area have been brought in to assist with restoration and we have been replenishing material supplies to ensure readiness,” PSE said.
Washington State Department of Transportation officials tweeted a warning Monday, after the weather service issued a winter weather advisory for the North Cascades.
“Accumulating snow over the Cascade passes will begin Wednesday afternoon and continuing through Thursday morning. Be sure to check pass reports and chain requirements before traveling during this period,” WSDOT tweeted.
Meteorologists are watching a series of storms that are lining up behind Wednesday’s atmospheric river.
Those storms could bring more wind and rain, along with coastal flooding if the winds coincide with seasonally high “king” tides on the weekend.
“Additional heavy snow, rainfall, and periods of breezy winds and high surf conditions along the coast are expected through much of the long term forecast period,” the weather service said online.
This story was originally published December 24, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
