Safety Alert: Flood watch in effect Wed–Fri and St. Patrick's Day roundup

Happy St. Patrick's Day, Bellingham. It is Tuesday, March 17 and there is a lot to get through before you put on your green. The skies are doing their thing today and there is a bigger weather story building for the rest of the week. Here is what you need to know.

Today's Weather: Rain all day with a high near 56. It is a steady soaker out there today, so keep the rain boots by the door. This is just the warmup: a flood watch is in effect Wednesday through Friday, with rain expected every day through the end of the week. Check the full forecast at the National Weather Service.

Safety Alert

Flood Watch in Effect for Whatcom County Starting Wednesday

A flood watch has been issued for Whatcom County from Wednesday afternoon (1 pm, March 18) through Friday afternoon (5 pm, March 20). The watch covers the Nooksack River corridor. A flood watch means conditions are favorable for flooding, not that flooding is guaranteed, but residents in low-lying areas and along the river should pay attention.

As of Monday, the Nooksack River is not expected to reach "action stage" before Friday, but conditions could change as rain totals stack up. Expect ponding on roadways that typically flood during heavy rain events. Some road closures are possible if water overtops roads.

Track current river conditions here. You can also read the 2025 Flooding in Whatcom County Newsletter for a full resource list. Make sure you are signed up for emergency alerts at WhatcomReady.org.

There is also a winter weather advisory through at least Wednesday morning for the Cascades of Whatcom County, so if you are headed up to Mt. Baker or the passes, plan accordingly.

Civic

Community Meeting on New Behavioral Care Center and Jail This Thursday

Whatcom County is holding a community meeting this Thursday, March 19, from 6 to 8 PM at the Lynden City Annex (205 4th St, Lynden, WA). The meeting will cover the decisions ahead for the planned new Behavioral Care Center and Jail project.

This is your chance to hear what is being considered and share your thoughts before key decisions are made. If you have been following this project, Thursday night is the meeting to attend.

Water Rights

Water Rights Adjudication Notices Now Running in Local Papers

The Washington Department of Ecology is publishing legal notices in Cascadia Daily and the Skagit Valley Herald this week as part of the ongoing Whatcom County water rights adjudication. The notices will include the names of water users who could not be reached by certified mail. Under state law, newspaper publication counts as legal notification.

If you have a well, water right, or use surface water and have not received your claim form packet, contact the Department of Ecology at 360-255-4406 or schedule a free appointment at go.ecology.wa.gov/adjudication-appt. More details via Whatcom County Public Works.

Parks

Bellingham Parks AmeriCorps Crew Planted Over 600 Trees in Two Weeks

It is AmeriCorps Week, and Bellingham Parks and Recreation is taking a moment to spotlight the Washington Conservation Corps AmeriCorps Crew. In just the past two weeks, crew members planted more than 600 native trees and shrubs across Bellingham parks as part of ongoing restoration and mitigation projects.

This work is funded by the Greenways Levy. If you have noticed the parks looking a little greener lately, now you know who to thank.

Small Business Spotlight

St. Patrick's Day in Bellingham: Where to Celebrate Tonight

It is St. Patrick's Day, and local spots around Bellingham are ready for you. A few options for tonight if you want to get out and raise a glass:

Stone's Throw Brewery is hosting a St. Patrick's Day celebration tonight. Find details at bellingham.org.

Larrabee Lager Company (4151 Guide Meridian Rd.) has Trivia Night running tonight from 6:30 to 8 PM. A solid low-key option if competitive trivia is your version of celebrating. More info at bellingham.org.

Cheba Hut (306 W. Holly St.) has Bingo Night from 7 to 8:30 PM. Details here.

The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office has a reminder for everyone tonight: plan ahead for a sober ride home. Enjoy the evening, but line up your ride before the first pint.

Upcoming Week

The Upcoming Week