If you've been paying attention, you'll know that modern Americans are significantly heavier than they were just a few decades ago. Take a stroll through any shopping area or strip mall, and it seems like the majority of people you see are grappling with obesity. Data from the CDC backs this up-over 39% of adults in the United States were deemed obese during 2015-2016, which marks an increase from 33.7% in 2007-2008.
Even more concerning is the rise in severe obesity. The same CDC report reveals that nearly 8% of Americans were severely obese in 2015-2016, up from 5.7% in 2007-2008. Essentially, this means that close to 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. are obese, and about 1 in 13 are severely obese. Sadly, tackling obesity isn't something that can happen overnight. The obesity issue in the U.S. continues to escalate as more adults and children choose the convenience of fast food and sugary options over healthier eating, exercise, and beneficial lifestyle choices.
With pervasive stress and the prevalence of nutritionally deficient fast-food options around every corner, losing weight and keeping it off is challenging in today's day and age. That's especially true if you've tried to diet and exercise in the past, only to have your weight balloon back up after a couple months. When diet and fitness aren't enough, sometimes we need a little help. That's where Dr. Erica Oberg's telehealth GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide medical weight loss program in Bellingham, WA starts to make a lot of sense.
In the past, people who wanted to start a medical weight loss journey had to visit a clinic to get started. They had to take valuable time out of their day to drive to the office, wait in line, and eventually see the doctor. Dr. Erica Oberg's approach to medical weight loss makes it more accessible to everyone through a telehealth format. Whether you're a businessperson with little time to spare or a parent with school and sports obligations for your kids, you can achieve your weight loss goals.
However, unlike some medical weight loss clinics, Dr. Oberg combines advanced weight loss medications with holistic treatments and health coaching to provide a custom, comprehensive weight loss program. This crucial difference provides you with powerful tools and ongoing support for long-term weight loss and well-being. No invasive surgeries. No sketchy weight loss pills. No waiting rooms. Only real results that last.
Clients who have completed our 90-day program report benefits like
Dr. Oberg recognizes that joining a GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide medical weight loss program in Bellingham, WA, is a life-changing process. That's why her approach to healthy weight loss involves more than medication. It prioritizes lifestyle changes, nutritional advice, and continuous assistance. That way, you lose weight safely in a caring setting and have the tools and knowledge to keep the weight off and stay healthy for the rest of your life.
Our medical weight loss program was designed to help you lose weight and keep it off in a safe, effective manner. To accomplish that goal, we combine innovative medicines like GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide with nutrition coaching and healthy living strategies to optimize your health and weight. Our medical weight loss program includes the following:
It seems like every other person we encounter in public is overweight. To the uninformed, it may seem like being overweight is natural and healthy. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. People who are obese are often ridiculed for how they look. However, their issues go beyond social stigmas. They also face an increased risk of serious and potentially life-threatening health problems. Many of these issues are among the top causes of death in the U.S
Some of the consequences of living with obesity include
If you have one or more of the conditions or symptoms above, don't lose hope. It's important to understand that you're not destined to live an unhealthy life. With quality telehealth medical weight loss from an expert like Dr. Erica Oberg, you can regain control of your eating habits without taking the joy out of food or your life.
At this point, you're probably curious about GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide weight loss and how the medicine is so effective. To understand its effectiveness, it's important that you first understand how GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide works in your body. GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide is a groundbreaking medication offered by Dr. Erica Oberg that represents a major step forward in weight loss treatments. As a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide mimics the action of the body's natural GLP-1 hormone. This hormone plays a crucial role in managing blood sugar levels and controlling appetite.
By activating the GLP-1 receptors in the brain, GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide helps curb hunger and boosts feelings of fullness, leading to a reduction in caloric intake. This weight loss medication also slows down the rate at which the stomach empties, improving blood sugar control. When you use GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide, if you attempt to overeat, your body will signal you with a clear message: "That's enough."
At a glance, GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide helps you lose weight in a few ways, such as:
GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide slows down stomach emptying after you're done eating. This process makes it seem like your stomach is full and content â even after you've cleaned the dishes and put away all the food.
GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide lowers your blood sugar levels without causing them to crash.
GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide causes food cravings to dissipate, which in turn helps you avoid bad foods and snacks with no nutritional value. On average, people taking GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide eat about 30% less food than they would otherwise.
One of the most common questions that Dr. Oberg gets about her groundbreaking telehealth medical weight loss program is whether it truly works or not. In short, it absolutely does. In fact, GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide is widely recognized as an effective, FDA-approved option in the realm of anti-obesity medications. In a study involving 2,000 obese adults, participants who took GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide while adhering to a diet and exercise regimen experienced significantly greater weight loss than those who relied solely on lifestyle adjustments.
Remarkably, half of the participants managed to shed 15% of their body weight, and nearly one-third lost 20%. This highlights GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide's potential as a powerful ally in the battle against obesity. While it's essential to keep in mind that successful obesity management hinges on dietary and exercise changes, access to effective medications like GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide can be an integral part of your weight loss plan.
Weight loss results vary by individual, but in clinical studies, people taking GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide for weight loss have lost, on average, 10-15% of their body weight over a 6-month to 1-year period. Results may depend on lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity.
To put it bluntly, it can be maddening. If that sounds familiar, you're probably anxious to start losing weight. However, not all overweight people are great candidates for medical weight loss with GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide.
If you're an adult with a BMI that's greater than 30 or a BMI of 27 with one or more obesity-related medical issues, you should qualify for GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide. Some weight-related medical problems that can be rectified with GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide and proper diet include:
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Type 2 Diabetes
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Chronic Conditions Limiting or Preventing Exercise or Physical ActivityPrior to creating your custom medical weight loss plan, Dr. Oberg will arrange for you to undergo the necessary tests to ensure you're an ideal candidate. If you're unsure whether you qualify for GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide injections, contact Dr. Oberg's office today to learn more.
GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide is a medication developed to help individuals struggling with obesity manage their weight more effectively. It's specifically intended for those who have been clinically diagnosed as obese and find it challenging to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. Before beginning your GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide medical weight loss program, you should communicate any medical conditions, prescription medications, supplements, and allergies to Dr. Oberg. This information is crucial and helps reduce the risk of potential drug interactions and serious side effects.
You may not qualify for GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide if you have one or more of these conditions:
By now, you know that GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide can be a safe, helpful tool in your weight loss toolbox. But you may be wondering, "Are there any additional perks of taking GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?"
In general, the side effects associated with GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide are usually well tolerated. The most common issues people report include nausea, headaches, and constipation. Fortunately, these side effects tend to be mild and can often be managed effectively with some lifestyle changes or over-the-counter remedies.
You've likely encountered fad diets that promise rapid weight loss with little effort. However, GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide isn't one of those quick-fix solutions. As previously mentioned, GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide facilitates weight loss by curbing appetite and cravings while also slowing digestion. This mechanism allows you to adhere to a low-calorie diet without temptation. It also aids in reducing fat buildup in your body, resulting in safe and steady weight loss over time.
GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide not only promotes weight loss but also decreases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. It achieves this by improving the body's ability to use insulin, reducing inflammation, and enhancing cholesterol levels.
GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide is different from other weight loss medications because it helps people keep off weight even after treatment ends. It works best when you follow a healthy diet and lifestyle. When you do, it's possible to achieve long-term weight loss and well-being. Other medications only work while you are taking them.
GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide injections offered by Dr. Erica Oberg can be taken regularly from the convenience of your own home or office. If you've got a busy lifestyle or are always on the go, injecting GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide at home is a game-changer. Medical weight loss from Dr Oberg also includes regular health coaching sessions, which can also be conducted from your home. Research indicates that a GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide medical weight loss program can be more effective than conventional weight loss medications that require daily dosing. Unlike surgical options such as gastric bypass, GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide doesn't require any invasive procedures or recovery time. This makes it a favored choice for individuals who are averse to surgery or who haven't found success with other weight loss methods.
Achieving your target weight with the support of Dr. Erica Oberg's affordable telehealth weight loss program is an incredible accomplishment worth celebrating. However, it's essential to remember that this is not the time to abandon your hard work. Instead, focus on maintaining your weight loss results. That way, you avoid slipping back into old habits and regaining the weight you worked so hard to lose.
Keep these tips in mind once you're close to hitting your target weight:
Sticking to a consistent eating routine can help control food intake and improve health. Eating at the same times or having similar meals daily provides structure without the need to obsess over calories. This approach can enhance appetite management, energy levels, and overall diet. A large, high-protein breakfast, in particular, is linked to better appetite control and improved blood sugar levels throughout the day.
These often contain empty calories and added sugar, which lack nutritional value. Research links processed food intake to higher body weights and weight gain. Studies suggest that reducing these foods can improve weight management, as the body may burn twice as many calories digesting whole foods compared to processed ones. Overall, a diet rich in whole foods is associated with better weight outcomes.
We often highlight the importance of consistency when it comes to weight loss, as staying committed to your health changes is the key to achieving meaningful results. However, consistency is equally crucial for maintaining fat loss. It's not just about sticking to a plan. It's about creating daily habits and routines that set you up for long-term success.
Vegetables are nutrient-dense and provide significant nutrition with few calories, helping you feel full without large portions. For instance, two cups of broccoli have only 60 calories compared to nearly 500 calories in two cups of cooked pasta. Consuming more non-starchy vegetables may also aid in hunger control.
Engaging in regular physical activity is a highly effective strategy for managing weight, as it helps you burn off calories. It also helps make the most of the food you eat. The amount of exercise required to sustain your weight loss can vary based on individual factors and the types of workouts you choose. Dr. Erica Oberg creates personalized plans tailored to each of her weight-loss patients, along with exercise tips and recommendations based on your body type, age, and more. That way, you can avoid burnout and over-exercising.
Are you fed up with how you look and feel when you wake up in the morning? Is it more challenging for you to get out and about and enjoy life because you're overweight? Are you ready to make a meaningful change in your life and shed pounds in a safe, healthy way? If you're reading this, chances are you're ready to get fit and healthy with help from Dr. Erica Oberg. So, give our office a call today. By tomorrow, you'll be that much closer to living your best life.
All lanes remained closed on northbound Interstate 5 south of Bellingham on Saturday due to major rockslides, according to the state Department of Transportation.It was unclear when the freeway would reopen.I-5 closed Thursday night after slides left rocks, trees and debris blocking all lanes, between Lake Padden and Lake Samish. An estimated 2,000 to 3,000 cubic yards of debris slid down the slope to the freeway. An Olympic-sized swimming pool is typically just over 3,000 cubic yards.At least one of the rocks was larger...
All lanes remained closed on northbound Interstate 5 south of Bellingham on Saturday due to major rockslides, according to the state Department of Transportation.
It was unclear when the freeway would reopen.
I-5 closed Thursday night after slides left rocks, trees and debris blocking all lanes, between Lake Padden and Lake Samish. An estimated 2,000 to 3,000 cubic yards of debris slid down the slope to the freeway. An Olympic-sized swimming pool is typically just over 3,000 cubic yards.
At least one of the rocks was larger than a bus.
The Department of Transportation signed an emergency contract with Interwest Construction and expected emergency work to start Saturday. The company planned to start hauling away trees and debris Sunday.
Crews will work seven days a week, the agency said.
An update on the repair plan and timeline should be ready by Wednesday. An engineering report is expected early next week. An initial geotechnical report had found concern for “more potential movement” in the debris pile and on the slope, according to the Department of Transportation.
Sources: Esri, WSDOT (Mark Nowlin / The Seattle Times)
Traffic on northbound I-5 was being diverted at Exit 246, at the north end of Lake Samish. The agency recommended drivers detour to Highway 9 or Highway 11, also known as Chuckanut Drive, a route also prone to slides.
Highway 11 is not suitable for freight traffic, the agency said.
The agency warned against going to the I-5 slide or flying drones over it. The slope remains unstable and crews will use heavy machinery there once work starts.
“We understand this is frustrating,” the Department of Transportation said on X. “We are focusing on doing this precise, methodical work as safely and quickly as we can.”
Denisa R. Superville: 206-464-8216 or dsuperville@seattletimes.com. Denisa R. Superville is an Education Lab reporter at The Seattle Times, where she writes about school districts as they emerge from the pandemic years.
When disaster hits in Washington state, it pays to be prepared.“After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days,” the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said.That means having enough food, water and other supplies to last you and your family for several days, the federal agency said.What should be in your emergency or disaster survival kit?Here’s what to know:What should go into my emergency kit?Although “government agencies will respond to communi...
When disaster hits in Washington state, it pays to be prepared.
“After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days,” the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said.
That means having enough food, water and other supplies to last you and your family for several days, the federal agency said.
What should be in your emergency or disaster survival kit?
Here’s what to know:
Although “government agencies will respond to community disasters,” you may be on your own for a while after disaster strikes, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
“You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least two weeks” — or even months in some cases, the state agency said.
According to Puget Sound Energy, the state Health Department and the Department of Homeland Security, these are some items you should consider adding to your emergency kit:
Depending on the kind of emergency is most common in your area, the American Red Cross and the Homeland Security Department recommends considering adding these items:
Once you’ve made your emergency kit, where should it go?
The Department of Homeland Security recommends picking a couple of different spots.
“Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars,” the federal agency said.
The state Health Department recommends storing “a kit at home, at work and at each child’s school or daycare facility.”
It’s tulip season in Skagit County — and flower fans are flocking to Mount Vernon in hopes of getting a glimpse at the beautiful blooms.“This year’s Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is shaping up to be another beautiful and unique season,” Nicole Roozen, Skagit Valley Tulip Festival executive director, wrote in an email to The Bellingham Herald. “Each garden offers its own experience, with millions of tulips blooming across the valley in a wide range of colors — from classic reds and yellows to so...
It’s tulip season in Skagit County — and flower fans are flocking to Mount Vernon in hopes of getting a glimpse at the beautiful blooms.
“This year’s Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is shaping up to be another beautiful and unique season,” Nicole Roozen, Skagit Valley Tulip Festival executive director, wrote in an email to The Bellingham Herald. “Each garden offers its own experience, with millions of tulips blooming across the valley in a wide range of colors — from classic reds and yellows to soft pastels and striking specialty varieties.”
Roozen said visitors can explore locations including Roozengaarde, Tulip Town, Garden Rosalyn and the Tulip Valley Farm “each with its own design and atmosphere.”
Here’s what you need to know before heading out:
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival takes place in April and May in the Mount Vernon area in Western Washington.
Visitors can “discover one-of-a-kind pieces that capture the beauty of Skagit Valley’s most beloved bloom” at the Tulip Festival Art Exhibit, organizers said.
The art exhibit runs Friday, April 3, and Saturday, April 4, at the Depot Arts Center in Anacortes.
The Tulip Festival Parade travels along Front Street in downtown La Conner on Saturday, April 11.
Nearly 200 artisan vendors gather at South First Street in downtown Mount Vernon for the Tulip Festival Street Fair, which also features food trucks, live music and children’s activities. The event runs Friday, April 17, through Sunday, April 19.
However, the main attraction is the local farms where visitors can see, smell snap photos and pick bouquets of gorgeous flowers.
Tickets to visit participating farms can be purchased the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival website.
Where: 15867 Beaver Marsh Road in Mount Vernon
When: Extended hours start Saturday, March 21
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
What’s there: The public face of the Washington Bulb Company, RoozenGaarde features an 8-acre display garden with more than 1 million bulbs and more than 50 acres of tulips and daffodils, its website says, delivering “a premium experience for flower lovers worldwide.” Visitors can stop by the gift shop, purchase handpicked bouquets and enjoy offerings from on-site food vendors.
How much: $19 to $23; walk-up tickets cost an extra $2. Children under 2 are free.
Can I bring my pet: No
Contact: 360-424-8531
Where: 15245 Bradshaw Road in Mount Vernon
When: Saturday, March 21, to Thursday, April 30
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; Night Bloom is 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday in April.
What’s there: Visitors can check out an interactive “half-acre showcase of every tulip variety” grown at this u-pick farm before heading into the fields, Tulip Valley Farms said on its website. Flower fans can explore the farm after sunset during Night Bloom events featuring black lights, lasers, live music and a Glow in the Dark Garden. Other attractions include miniature Highland cows and in-person “tulip talks.”
How much: $16 to $18, $10 to $12 children ages 3 to 15
Can I bring my pet? For $5, you can bring well-behaved dogs on leashes into the flower fields.
Contact:
Where: 16648 Jungquist Road in Mount Vernon
When: Friday, March 20, to Thursday, April 30
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
What’s there: Garden Rosalyn features seven acres of hand-planted tulips plus a tranquil pond that’s home to ducks and geese. With the Cascade Mountains framing views, you’ll find “photo-ready focal points throughout the grounds,” the farm website reads.
How much: $17 to $18
Can I bring my pet? Yes, for no additional fee
Contact: 360-202-7982
Where: 15002 Bradshaw Road in Mount Vernon
When: Saturday, March 28, through Thursday, April 30
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday
What’s there: You can explore this 30-acre farm on foot or climb aboard a vintage trolley for a “scenic, front-row view of the blooms,” Tulip Town said on its website. In addition to more than six acres of flowers, Tulip Town has a café and Beer & Wine Garden offering Dutch pastries, snacks, coffee, specialty drinks and local beer and wine.
How much: $12.20 to $20.48
Can I bring my pet? Yes, for free
Contact:
All farms participating in the festival offer free parking.
“Parking areas are clearly designated near the gardens and fields to help make visiting as smooth as possible,” Roozen said.
Hot weather, cold conditions, heavy rains and high winds can affect when tulips flower, Skagit Valley Tulip Festival organizers said, with blooms appearing as early as March and as late as May.
“Mid-April tends to be the safest bet to experience vibrant blooms,” organizers said.
Your experience may vary depending on which day you visit.
“Weekdays are often quieter, while weekends offer a more festive atmosphere,” organizers said.
“We always encourage guests to check bloom updates and parking information on tulipfestival.org before they arrive,” Roozen told The Herald.
A new flight is about to land at Bellingham International Airport.Travelers will soon be able to fly nonstop from Bellingham to Portland, Oregon.The new flight means added convenience for travelers headed to and from the popular Pacific Northwest city, offering a quick turnaround and opportune departure times, Matt Rodriguez, the Bellingham airport’s director of aviation, told The Bellingham Herald in December.It’s “the beginning of our route expansion to get more direct flights out of Bellingham,&rdquo...
A new flight is about to land at Bellingham International Airport.
Travelers will soon be able to fly nonstop from Bellingham to Portland, Oregon.
The new flight means added convenience for travelers headed to and from the popular Pacific Northwest city, offering a quick turnaround and opportune departure times, Matt Rodriguez, the Bellingham airport’s director of aviation, told The Bellingham Herald in December.
It’s “the beginning of our route expansion to get more direct flights out of Bellingham,” Rodriguez said at the time.
“Portland International Airport is a major regional gateway and consistently ranks as one of the best airports in the nation for its ease of navigation, amenities and overall experience,” Rodriquez told The Herald on Wednesday March 11. “We are thrilled to now be able to offer easy daily flights from Bellingham to two major regional hubs in Portland and Seattle.”
Here’s what to know:
Bellingham International Airport, 4255 Mitchell Way in Bellingham, currently offers direct flights to a dozen destinations, including Seattle, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix and the San Juan Islands.
Three airlines serve the Whatcom County airport: Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air and San Juan Airlines.
Alaska Airlines will begin offering daily, direct flights to and from Portland beginning on Thursday, March 19.
“This is huge news for travelers interested in Portland or connecting flights to Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Diego, Arizona and much more,” the Bellingham airport said in a Dec. 19 Facebook post. “We’re thrilled to offer more access and more routes through our local and convenient airport.”
The nonstop flights, which will be available all year long, will depart daily from Bellingham at 8 a.m., according to Alaska Airlines website.
Returning flights returning arrive at the Bellingham airport as early at 3 p.m. and as late as 10:45 p.m.
Passengers will spend about an hour in the air, according to Alaska Airlines.
In contrast, it now takes more than three hours to fly Bellingham to Portland via Alaska Airlines with a layover at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, according to the airline’s website.
“Great news: Traveling to Bellingham from the PDX area is about to get a whole lot faster!” Visit Bellingham Whatcom County said on its website.
One-way flights from Bellingham to Portland start at $59, according to the Alaska Airlines website.
Ticket prices vary depending on when you want to fly, with the cost of a one-way flight in late March soaring to $249.
You can book a flight online via alaskaair.com.
If you’re hoping to get to Portland for cheap, you may want to wait a little longer.
According to the Alaska Airlines website, the most affordable times to buy plane tickets to and from Portland were late April and early May.
As of Thursday, March 12, Alaska Airlines was accepting reservations through the end of the year.
Flooding is now possible along the Nooksack River in Whatcom County as a Pineapple Express brings heavy rain to both the mountains and the lowlands over several days in Western Washington.Current forecasts have caught the attention of Whatcom County officials, who told The Bellingham Herald that they are watching the Nooksack River and have action plans in place.Earlier forecasts indicated that the warm atmospheric river’s most intense rain would fall in southern British Columbia, but Wednesday estimates from the Northwes...
Flooding is now possible along the Nooksack River in Whatcom County as a Pineapple Express brings heavy rain to both the mountains and the lowlands over several days in Western Washington.
Current forecasts have caught the attention of Whatcom County officials, who told The Bellingham Herald that they are watching the Nooksack River and have action plans in place.
Earlier forecasts indicated that the warm atmospheric river’s most intense rain would fall in southern British Columbia, but Wednesday estimates from the Northwest River Forecast Center show the Nooksack River rising to just above flood stage on Friday and Saturday in Ferndale. Wednesday estimates for Deming show the river cresting at “action stage” upstream.
Flooding is expected on the Skagit River in Mount Vernon and Concrete as melting snow from the North Cascades inundates that river.
Elsewhere, excessive runoff may result in urban and small-stream flooding and pooling of water in low-lying locations, meteorologist Dana Felton said.
“Just a steady stream of moisture moving into the area the next three days,” Felton said in the online forecast discussion. “In addition to the rain it will be breezy at times over the northwest interior with the frontal boundary stalled just to the north.”
Since the storm is coming from the South Pacific, its warm air will increase snow levels to about 7,000-8,000 feet, and melting snow will cause rivers to rise quickly.
Consequently, the National Weather in Seattle issued flood watches for several counties, including Whatcom and Skagit.
Forecasts have been fluctuating, as the storm’s track becomes more certain. Last week, flooding concerns were minimal, but they have been increasing daily.
Rain was falling early Tuesday at Mt. Baker Ski Area with temperatures in the mid- to upper 30s. The ski area is closed through Thursday.
At the Whatcom County Public Works Department, spokeswoman Mandy Feutz said its River & Flood Division is tracking river levels along with the weather forecast.
“We’re prepared to respond if conditions change. We already have crews in the field placing signs in areas where water is impacting roadways, and they’re ready to take additional action, including road closures, if needed to keep the public safe,” Feutz said in an email. “We’re also coordinating with our partner agencies as conditions develop. We’ll continue to adjust our response based on what we’re seeing and will share updates if impacts become more significant. Residents can stay informed by checking current river conditions and reviewing flood preparedness resources on the county’s website.
Officials with the Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management are taking similar steps, spokeswoman Amy Cloud said.
“We’ve been tracking hydrologic and weather forecasts constantly, monitoring for rain impacts and road closures, checking river gauge levels, and securing “worst case” scenarios for the Nooksack River,” Cloud told The Herald in an email. “Our deputy director is in contact with our law enforcement, fire, public works and Emergency Management Council partners to share the information we’ve gathered and to receive field reports, questions or concerns.”