Mudslide blocks northbound I-5 in Bellingham

A mudslide in Bellingham has shut down all northbound lanes of I-5.

The highway is currently closed near Iowa Street in Bellingham.

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, the southbound lanes are also affected by the slide.

But on the south side of the highway, cars and trucks pass through.

Transportation officials say Whatcom County is getting drenched in rain. Nearly two inches of rain fell in the Bellingham area Sunday morning.

There is also extensive flooding on local roads in Bellingham and Whatcom County, according to the Department of Transportation.

The northbound I-5 closure is expected to last several hours.

Officials are asking drivers to avoid the area.

They say those who need to travel north via Bellingham should look for alternative routes to avoid the highway.