Good morning. You have reached the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management Daily Briefing Line. Today is Wednesday, February 19th and the time is 9:15 am.
The official term now being used to describe the novel coronavirus is "COVID-19". Information on the "COVID-19” can be found on the Whatcom County Health Department website.
Active Incidents
The “Proclamation of Emergency” signed by the Whatcom County Executive concerning the storms and flooding two weeks ago remains in effect at this time. Damage assessments and costs are due to this office today, Wednesday, February 19th. In addition, individual and businesses affected by floodwater are requested to report damages to 360.788.5311.
Advisories, Watches and Warnings:
There are no advisories, watches or warnings.
Whatcom County Weather
More sun, light winds, and temperatures in the mid to upper 40s are in store for us today across the county. Clear skies tonight with lows dropping down to the upper 20s will create a high risk of frost or ice where any melting occurred. For tomorrow, we can expect about the same as today – lots of sun. Beware of sheltered or shaded areas where the sun is not able to melt frost or ice as this can lead to loss of vehicle control if you have to make an abrupt steering correction.
The Nooksack River will remain at current levels with a little bump up this weekend from the expected rain. If you plan on being on or around the river this weekend, stay alert for the slight rise in river level.
Coastal Weather for Whatcom County
For the Coastal and Inland waters of Whatcom County, we will see light winds with wind waves of one foot or less. It should be a great couple of days if you plan on being on the water.
For the tides, today was the last day of King Tides for awhile. Otherwise, tides at Cherry Point for the next two days:
|
|
|
|
|---|
Date | Time | High | Low |
February 19, 2020
| 1244
| 7.83
|
|
February 19, 2020
| 2044
|
| -0.64
|
February 20, 2020
| 0450
| 9.49
|
|
February 20, 2020
| 1008
|
| 6.82
|
February 20, 2020
| 1350
| 7.63
|
|
February 20, 2020
| 2130
|
| -0.62
|
February 20, 2020
| 0950
| 9.49
|
|
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.