Bellinghamsters got a taste of big fluffy snowflakes Saturday morning, Feb. 1, with more snow incoming throughout the weekend.
The National Weather Service has placed western Whatcom County and western Skagit County under a winter weather advisory through 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3. Up to 4 inches of snow could accumulate during the two-day period, leading to possible travel difficulties and power outages.
Temperatures will remain close to or below freezing throughout the weekend.
Damp roads could become icy during this time.
In the lowland areas on Sunday, Feb. 2, rain showers with wet snow and ice pellets mixed in are expected during the day with up to half an inch of slush possible. Early snow showers are expected earlier in the day.
Maple Falls and Deming could see mostly wet snow showers on Sunday.
Snow starts to taper off on Monday but it’s expected to be windy and cold, leading to wind chill values in the teens, according to the NWS.
In a Friday evening bulletin, Bellingham Public Schools reminded students and parents of its inclement weather protocols. Depending on conditions, schools could either close for the day, open two hours late with regular bus routes or open on time with snow bus routes. Parents can check either ParentSquare or BPS’s website for updates.
For those heading out to ski at Mount Baker, which could receive up to 35 inches of snow between Saturday and Sunday night, Northwest Avalanche Center has issued a considerable avalanche danger warning for the backcountry throughout Saturday.
Your weekend (drinking hot cocoa or going skiing) forecast
Sunday: Snow before 10 a.m. then rain. High near 40 with wind chill values between 23 and 32. New snow accumulation of around 1 inch is possible.
Sunday night: Snow. Low near 26. New snow accumulation of 2–4 inches is possible.
Monday: Snow. High near 33. New snow accumulation of less than 1/2 inch possible.
Monday night: 50% chance of snow showers. Low near 20. Less than 1/2 inch of new snow possible.
Annie Todd is CDN’s criminal justice/enterprise reporter; reach her at annietodd@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 130.