Good morning.  You have reached the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management Daily Briefing Line.  Today is Monday, February 10th and the time is 10:30 am.    

Active Incidents

The “Proclamation of Emergency” signed by the Whatcom County Executive concerning the storms and flooding a little over a week ago remains in effect.  Damage assessments, clean-up where possible, and repairs are being made as conditions allow.

Advisories, Watches and Warnings:  NONE

Whatcom County Weather

Finally, we will have a day of mostly sunny skies across the county. Temperatures will still be a little cool today with highs in the low 40s and lows tonight in the low to mid 30s with some increasing clouds. Winds will be on the lighter side today and tonight -generally around 10 mph or less but tomorrow they will be a little stronger with some gusts from the south at 20 mph in the northern part of the county (Blaine and Sumas). Tomorrow will be much the same as far as temperatures are concerned but we will once again see a chance of rain developing Tuesday and remaining with us through the work week.

The Nooksack River level will stay right about current levels so no additional river flooding is in the picture. Small streams and lowland flooding will remain a possibility because ponds and lowlands are already pretty full with little capacity to accept more water. Keep checking the Whatcom County Public Works website for a list of current road closures. Do not go around “Road Closed” or “Detour” signs. You jeopardize your life as well as the responders when your vehicle becomes disabled or forced off the road by rushing water.

Coastal Weather for Whatcom County

For the Inland and Coastal Waters of Whatcom County, we’ll see light east winds at 10 knots or so today changing to south winds tonight at 10-20 knots. South winds tomorrow during the day could reach 15-25 knots so a “Small Craft Advisory” is likely.

Tides at Cherry Point for the next two days:

Note:  We are in a period of King Tides through February 12th.

Here are a few emergency management reminders:

First, put your Winter Safety Kit in your vehicle if you haven’t done so already. Check the Washington State Department of Transportation website for a list of items to have in your kit.

Second, watch for ice and slush on the roadways especially where the temperature drops below the freezing level. And don’t forget, shaded caused by overhanging trees, mountains, or even buildings can shield the sun from thawing the frost and you could go from a dry area to patches of frost which could cause a loss of traction or vehicle control. Elevation will also make a difference as to where the freezing level is so keep alert.

Third, watch for packed snow or patches of packed snow if you are headed to the ski area or crossing the Cascades over the next couple of days. Slush or snow building up under your vehicle tires can cause your vehicle to ride on top of an unstable surface and can lead to loss of traction and vehicle control.

Fourth, keep an eye on the avalanche notifications and tree well warning. You can find information about both on the Mount Baker Ski Area Website Home Page.

Fifth, don’t drive through water flowing over roads. It only take three to six inches of fast moving water to knock you off your feet and another few inches to move vehicles as large as SUVs.  Do not go around signs or barriers; they are there for your protection and going a different route will only cost you a little bit of time.  

This briefing line is not updated on weekends unless an incident occurs.