Round 2 of Pineapple Express aiming for Bellingham with damaging wind, heavy rain expected
Another round of strong wind and heavy rain will hit Bellingham and the rest of Western Washington overnight Monday into Tuesday morning.
Winds gusting to 55 mph are in the most recent forecast for Whatcom County, according to a Monday afternoon briefing from the National Weather Service.
“Damaging, gusty winds may cause localized power outages and tree limb damage. Temporary structures could be damaged or destroyed,” the weather service said online.
Western Whatcom County, especially areas closed to the ocean, could see sustained south winds of 20-30 mph with gusts of 50-55 mph, the weather service said in a wind advisory that is in effect until noon Tuesday.
South Whatcom Fire Authority, whose service area covers the Sudden Valley community that suffered heavy damage from a November windstorm, warned residents about the approaching storm.
“Please make necessary preparations for potential power outages. Remember, our ground is saturated from the heavy rains and may make trees more prone to blowing over or uprooting, especially with the previous large windstorm that loosed many trees in an abnormal direction than they are used to,” the fire department said in a social media post.
About a half-inch of rain is expected around Bellingham from Monday night’s storm. Nearly 2 inches of rain has fallen in the past week, bringing the monthly average to normal levels.
Flooding is not expected along the Nooksack River despite the heavy rain, but the saturated soil means there is an increased threat of landslides.
