WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Precipitation is expected to resume falling in Whatcom County late this evening, Thursday, December 22nd. It is expected to initially fall as snow through late afternoon on Friday when it will change to freezing rain and ultimately rain.
Update 1pm: A winter storm warning has been issued from 10pm tonight to 10pm on Friday. It warns of expected heavy mixed precipitation with total new snow accumulations of up to 2 inches and ice accumulations of up to 2/10ths of an inch.
Any frozen precipitation will add to the existing several inches that has already accumulated and remains due to temperatures remaining below freezing after this week’s snow events.
Temperatures are expected to begin rising beginning this morning and continue rising through to late morning on Saturday.
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The second in the series of systems looks to impact the region Sunday into Monday, bringing another round of widespread rain to the area. With additional systems expected to move through the region next week, the long term continues to look like a very active hydrologic period for the region. National Weather Service Seattle office (December 22, 2022)
A rapid warm-up starting Friday and continuing into Saturday will likely lead to a transition to rain on existing snow across most of Western Washington. This could lead to some urban flooding as the moderate to heavy rain falls on the existing and lingering snow, especially north of the Seattle metro where the snowpack is greatest. In addition, rises on many rivers across the region can be expected with this rain and lowland snowmelt. National Weather Service Seattle office (December 22, 2022)
Forecasters warn of the potential for lowland surface water and small stream flooding when the inches of accumulated snow melts quickly as temperatures climb from about 10°F to about 50°F within 48 hours.
Concern with the Nooksack River’s flooding potential remains due to both the warming and the moderate to heavy rain expected into next week.
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Click for more informationCurrent river level forecasts for key locations along the Nooksack River in Whatcom County reflect the expected increases but fall short of reaching “Action Levels” as detailed below.
River level forecasts can change frequently so drivers and property owners are advised to monitor the Nooksack River level forecast.
Whatcom News readers are encouraged to stay up to date with the current weather forecast for their specific locations via the Whatcom News Weather page.