Posted: January 19, 2012 3:47:23 PM PST
While Bellingham and Whatcom County escaped the severe ice issues experienced in central and south Puget Sound today (Jan. 19, 2012), we may not be so lucky Friday.
The Seattle office of the National Weather Service predicts Bellingham-area temperatures will begin to rise tonight, raising concerns about more snowfall, along with sleet and freezing rain, as the area warms. These changing conditions, coupled with moisture hitting frozen surfaces, will result in dangerous ice conditions Friday morning.
City officials continue to remind area residents to avoid unnecessary driving and to use extreme caution while traveling. Be on the lookout for significant ice that remains on many streets from storms earlier this week. Rain on top of ice already in place will make dangerous conditions for driving and even walking.
Crews continue to care for streets on around-the-clock shifts and the City’s emergency management team remains active.
As warming continues over the weekend, ice will become less of a problem and flooding will begin to be a concern. Snow and ice followed by rain can clog drains and cause urban flooding, while rivers swollen by melt may rise to levels of concern. Snow on trees, limbs, power lines and buildings can become heavy as it absorbs rainfall, causing downed trees and utility lines. Roofs of aging sheds, barns and other structures can be vulnerable to collapse.
In addition to taking appropriate snow- and ice-related precautions, emergency officials recommend that residents also:
More information about City snow and ice services, closures and winter safety tips can be found on the City website at www.cob.org .
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More information:
City snow-related services and winter weather tips
Media contacts:
Janice Keller, Communications Manager, Mayor’s Office, 360-778-8110 or 360-201-9500 or jkeller@cob.org
Ted Carlson, Bellingham Public Works Director, 360-778-7900 or tcarlson@cob.org
David Doll, Whatcom Unified Emergency Management, 360-778-8442 or ddoll@cob.org
