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A 40% chance of heavy snow is predicted for the mountains over the next two weeks.
More active weather systems are forecast to move in next week, likely bringing rain to western Whatcom County and snow to the Cascades.
Much of region will see a cold front moving in over the weekend and sticking around into next week.
The report mentions slight drought conditions in areas east of the mountain range but is more positive than last year’s outlook.
NWS adds that residents should prepare for possible power outages near Deming and Maple Falls.
Washington’s snowpack is the state’s water storage system that charges streams and provides water for people, industry and agriculture throughout the year.
Travel across some of the state’s passes is being strongly discouraged.
The powerful winds could result in widespread power outages.
Wind and rain are in the forecast for Whatcom County all next week, with a moderate risk for high winds next Friday into Saturday, Dec. 28.
Forecasters say southeast winds could reach 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph from 4 p.m. on Dec. 17 through 4 a.m. on Dec. 18.