Storms expected to bring strong wind, heavy snow to Whatcom County
A fierce storm sweeping out of British Columbia will be bringing heavy mountain snow, along with rain and gusty wind to the lowlands of Whatcom County.
South winds at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 to 50 mph are expected, according to a wind advisory that’s in effect from 4 a.m. to noon Tuesday.
“Localized power outages and tree damage is possible,” forecasters at the National Weather Service in Seattle said.
“Significant mountain snowfall” is expected through Thursday at areas above 2,000 to 3,000 feet, where the National Weather service issued a winter storm warning.
Parts of the Mount Baker wilderness could get 2 to 4 feet of snow, weather service meteorologists said.
“Moderate snowfall will then continue at times on Wednesday, especially in the afternoon and evening, as another front moves through the area,” the weather service said online.
Travelers headed to the Mt. Baker Ski Area or over the mountain passes should monitor road conditions posted by the Washington State Department of Transportation, the weather service said.
Mount Baker Highway was open Monday afternoon. However, the road was covered with snow and compact snow, and it was snowing heavily. Flaggers or temporary signals will alternate traffic between milepost 41 and 44 as WSDOT crews continue to assess and repair the highway from recent storm damage.
Mt. Baker Ski Area reported 15 inches of snow in the past 48 hours.
Avalanche danger was listed as “considerable” in the Mount Baker backcountry, the Northwest Avalanche Center advised.
This story was originally published January 5, 2026 at 2:25 PM.
