The latest information from the National Weather Service (NWS) regarding the rains and winds expected tomorrow include wind gusts up to 50mph and local rainfall up to 2 inches.
Today, NWS upgraded their Wind Watch to a High Wind Warning for tomorrow, Wednesday, between 11am and 11pm 9am and 9pm. According to the alert, “20 to 35 mph [sustained southeast winds] are possible, with gusts to 50 mph.”
NWS forecasters also noted, “This will be the first event of this magnitude this season. Such events commonly bring more impacts in terms of tree damage and power outages than the same wind later in the season.”
An Areal Flood Watch was also issued today for portions of northwest Washington and west central Washington, including the Nooksack River in Whatcom County, from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. “If flooding does occur, it is expected to be minor,” according to the alert.
Click for more information
Click for more informationThe forecast for the Nooksack River level at Ferndale as of 7:30pm Tuesday 4:30am Wednesday is for it to crest at 16.58 feet around 6pm on Thursday.
At that level, the following flood impacts are possible:
- Water over the roadway on Ferndale Road north of Marine Drive and also north of Slater Road
- Water over the roadway at the corner of Barrett and Paradise Roads
- Flooding of the WDFW parking lot on Marine Drive
- Water over the roadway at corner of Marine Drive south of Country Lane
There is a possibility of water over the roadway on Slater Road, east of the river bridge, as seen in the photo above but the ground is not very saturated at this point and should help to delay road flooding longer than if it were.
NWS warns urban and small stream flooding is also possible if more intense rain falls. This potential is exacerbated by fallen leaves and branches clogging storm drains and ditches.
Drivers need to be alert for water and debris over roadways and respect road closure signs. Law enforcement officials warn not to assume the reason for a road closure is only due to water over the roadway since it is also possible the roadbed has been undermined and is unsafe to drive on.