Editor’s note: This article has been updated with new information regarding Skagit County flood conditions and Whatcom County Road Closures. Last updated: Dec. 11 at 6:30 a.m.
BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – An atmospheric river is moving into the region this week, bringing rain and more to the forecast.
The National Weather Service in Seattle (NWS) has issued a flood watch for Whatcom County and a flood warning for Skagit County through Friday, Dec. 12.
The South Fork of the Nooksack River is hit its peak just before midnight on Wednesday. The Nooksack River at the North Cedarville marker is saw similar flood levels at around 3 a.m. Thursday morning.
Public works crews in Everson, Nooksack and Sumas have been placing sandbags along Everson Road.
Residents will be able to pick up additional sandbags starting at 9 a.m. at the Everson City Shop on 605 Robinson St and at Northwest Annex located at 5280 Northwest Drive. Click here to see the sandbag location map.
Looking into early Thursday and Friday, the Nooksack River in Ferndale is forecast to reach moderate levels, with the current forecast showing a peak at 21.33 ft.
Whatcom County has closed several roads due to weather conditions. In Bellingham, Iowa Street has been closed near the I-5 intersection and the on-ramp to I-5 NB is currently closed according to WSDOT.
The Guide Meridian is experiencing a large amount of water on the roadway in the Kelly Rd region. The Mount Baker Highway is also experiencing water on the roadway east of the SR 9 roundabout.
For updated Whatcom County road closures, click here.
A bit farther south, the Skagit River in Concrete and Mount Vernon is predicted to reach major flood level lasting through Friday.
People living in those areas should take action to protect their homes, families and livestock, and be prepared to evacuate. For updates on road closures in Skagit County, click here.
According to Skagit County Emergency Management, the communities most often impacted by river flooding include:
- Marblemount
- Rockport
- Thunderbird Lane
- The Town of Concrete
- Cape Horn
- Birdsview
- The Town of Hamilton
- Cockerham
- The Town of Lyman
- Day Creek
The NWS is also advising people of an increased risk of landslides across the state, especially in areas impacted by recent wildfires.
School Closures
As of Dec. 10, all schools in the Concrete School District are closed today and tomorrow, Dec. 11.
The Burlington-Edison School District is on normal early-release schedule on Dec. 10 with schools and all activities cancelled on Dec. 11 and 12.
The Mount Vernon School District has closed all schools on Dec. 11 and 12, with all events also canceled during this time.
The Sedro-Woolley School District is on an early-release schedule on Dec. 10 with schools and all activities cancelled on Dec. 11 and 12.
La Conner Schools are closed including preschool and kindergarten Thursday, Dec. 11 and Friday, Dec. 12. No transportation will be available.
This week’s weather forecast is changing frequently, and the My Bellingham Now staff will be updated this page regularly.
