An arctic storm is on the way — will Whatcom County see some snow?

Many Whatcom County residents had to scramble to find their ice scrapers Thursday morning, Oct. 22, as an arctic chill spread across the region and the area saw its coldest temperatures since mid-April.

Weather forecasters are warning that the Bellingham area will see its first hard freeze of the season this weekend and the Cascade Mountains and foothills are under a winter storm watch Friday for 2 to 9 inches of snow.

No snow is forecast for the lowlands, but some lowland Whatcom County residents could see a stray flake or two mixed with the wind and rain on Friday.