Saturday, April 2, 2022

Washington expects Atmospheric River to hit Sunday

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https://whatcom-news.com/atmospheric-river-expected-to-arrive-sunday-rain-and-gusty-winds-expected_193442/

Atmospheric river expected to arrive Sunday, rain and gusty winds expected

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Weather computer forecast models show an atmospheric river aimed at the Pacific Northwest can be expected to arrive Sunday and linger through Tuesday bringing rain and gusty winds.

Forecasts earlier in the week showed the weather system arriving south of the Puget Sound region. Current forecasts now indicate a path further to the north, including northern Puget Sound areas like Whatcom County.

Plot of vertically integrated water vapor analysis forecast for April 4, 2022, based on ECMWF forecast model. Source: Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes
Plot of vertically integrated water vapor analysis forecast for April 4, 2022, based on ECMWF forecast model. Source: Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes

Forecasters with the National Weather Service expect precipitation from this weather event will not be significant. But the colder temperatures in the higher elevations Monday along with the precipitation and strong westerly flow aloft can be expected to produce snowfall in the foothills and mountains.

Plot of vertically integrated water vapor transport analysis forecast for April 5, 2022, based on ECMWF forecast model. Source: Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes
Plot of vertically integrated water vapor transport analysis forecast for April 5, 2022, based on ECMWF forecast model. Source: Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes

Gusty southeasterly, shifting Monday to southwesterly, winds are also expected to accompany this weather system with gusts over 50mph possible, peaking late Sunday, early Monday and again late Monday afternoon.

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The current Nooksack River level forecasts at Saxon and Cedarville remain below flood levels but the forecast at Ferndale expects the river level to crest at the 15-foot mark Tuesday afternoon.

The following local road impacts are likely after the river level reaches 15 feet at Ferndale.

  • Water and debris over the roadway on Ferndale Road north of Marine Drive and also north of Slater Road
  • Water and debris over the roadway at the corner of Barrett and Paradise Roads
  • Flooding of the WDFW parking lot on Marine Drive
  • Water and debris over the roadway on Marine Drive west of Ferndale Road

River level forecasts can change frequently so drivers and property owners are advised to monitor the Nooksack River level forecast.

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