Good morning.  You have reached the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management Daily Briefing Line.  Today is Thursday, February 20th 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 several weeks ago remains in effect at this time.  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

Once again, sun is on tap for today along with light winds. Temperatures will reach the upper 40s and Sumas may hit the 50 degree mark. Of course upper elevations will be cooler with low 30s at the ski area. Tonight we will see clear skies and temperature that drop below the freezing mark so frost or ice should be expected where water sits on open surfaces. Driving could be impacted so be careful. Then tomorrow, skies will be partly cloudy as we move towards a few days of rain with showers beginning later tomorrow. Temperatures are still expected to get to the upper 40s. The ski area is expecting snow with perhaps 5-9 inches on Sunday.

The Nooksack River level will jump just a little on Sunday and Monday; if you’re not watching for it, you may even miss it; nevertheless if you do plan to be on or near the river, don’t get caught off-guard by the small increase in river level.

Coastal Weather for Whatcom County

For the Coastal and Inland waters of Whatcom County, the next few days will see light and variable winds with wind waves of one foot or less.

For the tides, today was the last day of King Tides for awhile.  Otherwise, tides at Cherry Point for the next two days:

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.