WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — While the higher elevations in the mountains brace for heavy snowfall, the lowlands and foothills are expected to be hit by powerful winds Friday evening through Saturday morning.
National Weather Service forecasters out of the Seattle office have issued a high wind watch for Whatcom County and other locations in northern Puget Sound between 7pm on Friday, December 10th, and 10am on Saturday, December 11th.
The watch statement says to expect southerly sustained winds of 35 to 45mph and gusts up to 60mph.
Winds on Friday will begin to pick up during the afternoon hours at the coast and along the area waters. These southerly winds are expected to peak during the overnight as the cold front moves into the area. A high wind watch has been issued for the typical windy locations of the coast and north interior as gusts up to 60 mph are expected. The interior lowlands will experience wind as well, but are only expected to reach advisory strength, with gusts 40-50 mph. Winds will begin to ease through Saturday but will remain breezy.National Weather Service Seattle office (December 9, 2021)
NWS warns winds this strong “could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”