BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Coastal flooding could be in the forecast this coming weekend.
The National Weather Service (NWS) says that king tides are forecast for Whatcom County coastal areas on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 3.
King tides occur during certain lunar phases and could rise up to 9.9 feet during this month’s event.
Further south, tide levels could rise as high as 16.5 feet near Shelton and Olympia. UW’s College of the Environment is encouraging coastal residents to send pictures of the king tide’s impacts on nearby roads and buildings.
The region may be in for a stormy weekend to open 2026.
The NWS says dry conditions will continue throughout early on Thursday, Jan. 1 before a stronger weather system brings steady rain and breezy winds over the weekend.
Wind gusts could reach up to 48 mph in Bellingham on both days, peaking Saturday night into Sunday. The system is also forecast to bring moderate to heavy mountain snow.
Mt. Baker Ski Area is expected to get more than a foot of snow at Heather Meadows over the weekend.
