WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — An atmospheric river pointed at the Pacific Northwest arrived further south leaving southwest Washington State dealing with very heavy rains and less rains than previously expected to the north, including Whatcom County.
The Seattle office of the National Weather Service provided the following graphic which reflects 24-hour rainfall amounts as of 8am today, Monday, February 28th.
Mountain areas in the northern Cascades received between 1 and 2 inches while areas to the south had seen 3 to 4 inches.
Click for more information
Click for more informationMore rainfall is expected today continuing with mostly moderate rain to the north and heavier rain to the south.
Snowmelt from rising snow levels combined with the rainfall has already begun to raise the Nooksack River level according to reports from monitoring stations.
While expected to continue rising, the current Nooksack River level forecasts for Saxon, Cedarville and Ferndale show the river level cresting Tuesday below “Action Stage” at Saxon and Cedarville and below minor flood stage in Ferndale as indicated by the following forecast graphics.
Road impacts can be expected in the Ferndale area after the river level reaches the 15-foot mark. Low lying roads near the river will have water and debris over them, leading some to be closed.
Whatcom News readers are encouraged to monitor the latest Nooksack River level forecasts.