Residents in the Ferndale area may be excused for being a bit grumpy today after what was likely a restless evening given the powerful winds that ripped through the area all night.
According to a weather station located near Ferndale High School, wind gusts have been hovering in the 50 to 60mph range since around 11pm with a peak gust so far of 63mph recorded at 12:20am.
There have been multiple localized power outages in the Ferndale area that have impacted a little of 1000 Puget Sound Energy customers. Most appear to have been restored within the PSE standard window of 2 hours or are in the process of being restored.
The high winds and the cold temperatures have also created challenges for firefighters.
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Click for more informationWhatcom County Fire District 7 firefighters battled a residential structure fire on Cedar Street with personnel and equipment from 7 fire engines.
Bellingham firefighters had been dealing with a brush fire due to downed power lines and fanned by the high winds for over an hour in the area of South Red River Road near Slater Road. The decision to close Slater Road between Haxton Way and Ferndale Road had just been announced via radio at the time this story was being written.
Elsewhere, residents in a mobile home on E Pole Road reported smelling smoke after a power line had fallen over the residence. This reportedly caused a fire that later spread to a nearby structure.
No reports of injuries from any of these incidents.
The high winds are expected to continue through the day today. A High Wind Warning is in place until midnight tonight. It warns of gusts around 60mph and strongest winds are expected this afternoon and evening.
I am always interested in Ferndale news.