WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – True fall weather has arrived as high winds and heavy rain are forecasted for Whatcom County this weekend.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Seattle says an atmospheric river is coming to our region this weekend.

A wind advisory is in effect on Oct. 18 to Oct. 19 until 2 a.m. for western Whatcom County. The NWS is forecasting gusts of up to 40 mph in Bellingham and 30 mph in Lynden.

Between 3 and 4 inches of rain are also predicted through the weekend for Lynden and 2 to 3 inches are predicted for Bellingham. Flooding is not predicted at rivers, though this storm system may help prime the region for future flooding this fall.

Minor tree damage and isolated power outages are possible during the storm.