Good morning.  You have reached the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management Daily Briefing Line.  Today is Monday, February 24th and the time is 10:00 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: 

A “Small Craft Advisory” is in effect until 1:00 pm this afternoon for southwest winds 15-25 knots along with two to four foot wind waves.

Whatcom County Weather

This week can be characterized as a transition week. The possibility of reaching the low 50s is out there for Thursday and Friday but before we get there we’ll have some low to mid 40s degree days with the chance of rain/snow mixtures from time to time without any accumulation expected. Low temperatures will drop to the mid to upper 30s. We could also see some gusty winds from the west today especially in the Blaine area where gusts to 22 mph could occur. The ski area can expect a chance of a little snow for most of the week with highs and lows about 10-15 degrees colder than lower areas of the county.

The Nooksack River level will see a little spike around February 29th but it will not be enough to cause any problems. If you have plans to be on or near the river, keep your eye out for the changing level.

Coastal Weather for Whatcom County

For the Coastal and Inland waters of Whatcom County, the day begins with southwest winds 15-25 knots which will drop to 10-20 knots a little later today. Wind waves will be two to four and then one to three feet. Tonight the winds will switch to the southeast at 5-15 knots with wind waves of two feet or less. Tomorrow will have winds from the east at 5-15 knots.

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.