Bellingham Braces for Storms Threatening Power Outages and Flooding
Western Washington is bracing for intense storms that could lead to power outages and urban flooding. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Seattle has issued warnings about severe weather conditions expected to impact the area.
Bellingham Faces Potential Power Outages and Flooding
The storm is forecasted to arrive Thursday, bringing sustained south winds that will intensify throughout the day. Meteorologists caution that peak wind speeds could occur Thursday afternoon, carrying into Friday.
Wind and Weather Alerts
- Winds along the coast and islands could gust between 40 and 45 mph.
- A 10% chance exists for gusts reaching up to 60 mph in western Whatcom County.
- Strong winds may lead to fallen tree limbs and energy disruptions.
- A gale warning is active through Friday, with additional advisories for heavy surf and storm surge.
A secondary storm front is also anticipated to hit on Saturday, bringing another round of strong winds and heavy rain. The NWS has issued a gale watch for these expected conditions.
Rainfall and Flooding Concerns
- Up to one inch of rain is predicted in the lowland areas through Friday.
- An additional inch may fall Saturday through Sunday.
- Localized urban flooding and small stream flooding are likely, especially in areas with inadequate drainage.
However, river flooding is not expected at this time. In mountainous regions, snow levels are projected between 2,500 and 3,000 feet, with snowfall of 1 to 2 feet anticipated in the Mount Baker area.
Residents are advised to prepare for adverse weather conditions. The NWS emphasizes the need for caution while navigating the storm’s effects, particularly in coastal and low-lying areas.
