WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Potentially severe thunderstorms are forecast to hit Whatcom County on Wednesday.

The National Weather Service in Seattle (NWS) says a widespread thunderstorm event will approach western Washington during the afternoon and evening of March 26.

It currently estimates there’s a 30-50% chance of thunderstorms occurring. Forecasters say the main threats could come from hail that’s at least 1″ in diameter and wind gusts of at least 58 mph.

According to NWS, the threat of tornadoes in the region is unlikely, but rotation or a brief spin up can’t be fully ruled out.

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management adds the thunderstorms are more likely to hit the county in the evening but should end by midnight.