Winter Storm Warning + Early Dismissal Reminder for All Bellingham Schools

⛈ Today's Weather: Expect a chance of rain this morning, with showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 11am and 1pm. High near 51. Calm wind turning south southwest around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Check the National Weather Service for the latest radar.

Happy Wednesday, Bellingham. It is April 15 and we have a handful of things worth knowing before you head into your day (including: it’s TAX DAY!). There is a winter storm warning in effect for eastern Whatcom County through tonight, storms rolling through midday, and a couple of school schedule reminders for families this week.

Safety & Emergency

Winter Storm Warning in Eastern Whatcom Through Tonight + Federal Disaster Aid Coming

Winter Storm Warning Active: Eastern Whatcom County

A winter storm warning is in effect for eastern Whatcom County from 11am Tuesday through 11pm tonight. If you are heading toward the mountains or higher elevations, plan for significant snow accumulation and difficult travel conditions.

Separately, Washington State is set to receive a Federal Disaster Declaration for the December 2025 flood. More information on that declaration, including what it means for impacted residents, will be posted to WhatcomReady.org as it becomes available.

The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office Division of Emergency Management Emergency Operations Center is not currently activated. Full details here.

Schools

Bellingham Schools: Early Dismissal This Thursday and Next Thursday

Heads up for families: all Bellingham Public Schools will be on early dismissal schedules this Thursday, April 16, and again on Thursday, April 23.

Here are the dismissal times: Elementary schools dismiss at 12:20 p.m. Middle schools dismiss at 1:15 p.m. High schools dismiss at 2:00 p.m.

If you rely on after-school programs or pickup, this is your reminder to adjust your plans for both Thursdays. Full calendar details are available at bellinghamschools.org.

Community

BFD Honors Bellingham's 911 Dispatchers During National Telecommunicators Week

This week, April 12-18, is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, and Bellingham Fire Department is taking a moment to recognize the people who pick up when you call 911.

Before a single firefighter rolls, a dispatcher has already listened, assessed the situation, and set everything in motion. They do not wear gear or ride the truck, but the job is intense and the stakes are real. BFD shared a post this week acknowledging that work and the people who do it behind the scenes every shift. More here.

Civic

Whatcom County Launches Public Data Tracking Site for the Justice Project

Whatcom County has launched a new public data tracking site for the Justice Project, the voter-approved initiative aimed at reshaping criminal justice and behavioral health systems across the county.

The site was built to give the community access to currently available data as the project moves forward, covering 15 components including a new jail, a behavioral health facility, and various diversion programs. The effort is led by the Justice Project Oversight and Planning (JPOP) Committee. Co-Chair Tawsha Thompson said that accessible, reliable data is key to measuring progress and guiding decisions based on evidence, not guesswork.

The data tracking site is now live. Read the full story or head straight to Whatcom County's news page to find the link.

School + Family Update

Wednesday School + Family: WRIA 1 Water Rights Help Tomorrow in Blaine

If your property is in the Nooksack River basin, there is a hard deadline on the horizon. WRIA 1 water rights claim forms are due June 1, 2027, and free one-on-one help from technical experts is available now while you still have time to get it right.

This Thursday, April 16, you can stop by the Blaine Public Library (2390 Peace Portal Dr) between 1:00pm and 5:00pm. One-hour appointments are available, and drop-ins are welcome. Reserve a spot by calling 360-778-6314.

More dates across Whatcom County are available throughout April. These sessions are particularly valuable for farm families and rural property owners who hold or claim water rights in the basin. Full information here.

Community

WWU's Makerspace Is Now Open to All Students, Not Just Engineers

WWU Makerspace: Open to Every Major

Western Washington University's Makerspace has been a well-kept secret for most of campus for years. That is changing. The space, which includes 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, and more, is now open to all WWU students regardless of major.

Previously limited to engineering and design students, the Makerspace is now actively building a broader community of students who want to collaborate, experiment, and make things. If you know a student at WWU who would have used this but never knew they could, the door is open. More information here.

📅 The Upcoming Week

What's Coming Up in Bellingham & Whatcom County

Sponsored

Your First Routine Clean Is On the House

Spring storms, muddy boots, and pollen season. It is a lot. If today's weather has you thinking about a good deep clean, Cascade Home Cleaning is a locally trusted Whatcom County team that has been keeping homes fresh for years.

Right now, new clients who book a deep clean and sign up for ongoing routine cleans get their first routine clean free. It is a strong deal for anyone who wants to stay on top of things without scrubbing the house themselves every two weeks.

Offer expires end of the week. Book online at cascadehomecleaning.com, or call them at 360-594-5990.