BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – An atmospheric river is moving into the region this week, bringing rain and more to the forecast through this Friday.

The National Weather Service in Seattle (NWS) has issued a flood watch for all of Whatcom and Skagit counties from Monday, Dec. 8 through Friday, Dec. 12.

A wind advisory is also in effect until 10:00 p.m. on Monday, when maximum wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph in Bellingham and Lynden.

The Nooksack River is currently predicted to reach action stage and just below minor flooding at Ferndale on Tuesday. The South Fork Nooksack is also forecast to hit action stage at Saxon Bridge around 10:00 p.m. on Monday.

A bit farther south, the Skagit River near Mount Vernon is predicted to reach major flood level starting on Tuesday, Dec. 9 and lasting through Friday.

The NWS is advising people of an increased risk of landslides across the state, especially in areas impacted by recent wildfires.