“The Fraser Outflow is causing significant drifting in the northern half of the county. Blaine, Lynden, Sumas, and the central (Meridian) area are especially bad,” Mandy Feutz of the Whatcom County Public Works Department told The Herald in an email.

Snow began falling a little before 7 a.m. Saturday in areas south and east of Bellingham, the first substantial snowfall of the winter season. More snow is forecast through Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service said in an online briefing. A winter weather advisory is in effect for the Whatcom County lowlands.

The National Weather Service has placed western Whatcom County and western Skagit County under a winter weather advisory through 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3. Up to 4 inches of snow could accumulate during the two-day period, leading to possible travel difficulties and power outages.

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — As Whatcom County braces for snow and icy conditions, preparations are already underway to keep roads safe. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has begun pre-treating roads with deicers to prevent ice buildup, said Aisha Dayal, a WSDOT spokesperson.