FERNDALE, Wash. — Forecasters with the National Weather Service (NWS) Seattle office say to expect powerful northeasterly winds along with a potential for snowfall this week.
The NWS has issued a wind advisory for Monday. Northeasterly winds with gusts to 50mph are expected. Northeasterly winds in the winter can result in pulling artic cold air down from the Canadian Rockies through the Fraser Valley, a frequent Whatcom County weather event referred to as the Fraser Valley outflow.
The NWS has also issued a winter weather advisory for tonight, Sunday, November 27th from 10pm through 10am tomorrow due to the possibility of scattered snow showers in the lowlands of Whatcom County including Point Roberts and Lummi Island. Accumulations of up to 1 inch are possible in some areas from Everett northward through Whatcom County.
The forecast provides an opportunity to be prepared. The American Red Cross provides tips for preparing for a winter storm. Relevant tips include:
- Winterize your vehicle(s) and keep the gas tank(s) full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
- If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
- Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
- Use sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery.
- Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and make sure that their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles.
- All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear.
- Help people who require special assistance such as elderly people living alone, people with disabilities and children.
Remember: Carbon Monoxide Kills
Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate such a device away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.