Gale warning issued for Whatcom County

The National Weather Service in Seattle has posted a gale warning from 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 28.

According to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), winds will shift to the northeast on Tuesday, building in strength overnight with wind speeds of 25–30 knots and gusts in the 35–45 knot range. The strongest gusts can be expected on Wednesday afternoon. Cherry Point wave heights may build up to five feet, with a four second period. Because this is a northeast wind event, the coastal areas of Whatcom County that should have the strongest winds are Lummi Island and the Lummi peninsula.

A gale warning means winds of 34 to 47 knots are imminent or occurring. Operating a vessel in gale conditions requires experience and properly equipped vessels. It is highly recommended that mariners without the proper experience seek safe harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions.

“Coastal communities in Whatcom County should not see tidal effects from this event as the winds are northeasterly,” stated a WCSO news release. “Drivers and persons on the beach should always be cautious along low lying coastal roads and beaches particularly in the Birch Bay, Blaine, Sandy Point, Lummi Island and Point Roberts areas.”