Batten Down the Hatches: High Winds, Flooding Expected on Windy Christmas Eve

Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for Wednesday December 24. Folks, buckle up because Mother Nature is bringing a wild Christmas Eve gift with a high wind watch in effect for Whatcom and Skagit County lowlands from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today. Gusts could whip over 40 miles per hour inland and hit 58 along the coast, potentially scattering tree limbs, knocking out power, and creating messy roads, so Puget Sound Energy urges everyone to steer clear of downed wires and plan for outages that could dim holiday lights early. Adding to the coastal drama, a flood advisory hits Puget Sound shorelines including Bellingham from 6 a.m. to noon, with tides pushing seawater 1.75 to 2.25 feet above ground, possibly flooding parks, parking lots, and roads near the water, so give yourself extra travel time and skip those barricaded spots. On a brighter note, recovery from recent floods keeps moving forward, with Hannegan Road over Baker Creek reopening temporarily on a gravel surface through December 28, easing some commutes while full repairs wrap up, and Woburn Street now fully open after emergency fixes. Whatcom County's Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state aid, urging flood victims to file damage reports for potential FEMA help, and they've loaned out thousands in dehumidifiers and pumps to prevent mold in soggy homes. Despite the weather, Bellingham's holiday spirit shines through with cozy options today. Swing by NEKO Cat Cafe on Cornwall Avenue from noon to 5:45 p.m. for College Day, where cuddling kitties might just melt away the wind woes. Catch live music at Stones Throw Brewery on Larrabee Avenue starting at 6 p.m., perfect for toasting the season with brews and tunes. For a festive feast, Hotel Bellwether's Lighthouse Grill offers a special Christmas Eve dining experience with seatings from 4 to 8 p.m., blending bay views and holiday flavors thatll warm you from the inside out. Severe weather shelters open tonight in Bellingham on North Forest Street and in Ferndale, checking in from 4 to 8 p.m. through Christmas Day to keep everyone safe and snug. Looking ahead, gear up for post-holiday fun like White Elephant improv at the Upfront Theatre this Friday and Saturday, or a Sunset Silent Disco at Zuanich Point Park on Saturday. And mark your calendars for epic New Years Eve bashes, from 80s throwbacks at the Shakedown to countdown parties at Chuckanut Bay Distillery and Stones Throw. This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.