Good morning.  You have reached the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management Daily Briefing Line.  Today is Tuesday, February 25th and the time is 8:30 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 for Whatcom County at this time.

Whatcom County Weather

For Whatcom County weather, expect cloudy skies with a chance of rain today. Temperatures will be a little cooler then yesterday with highs staying in the low to mid-40s. Winds will be on the light side out of the north or northeast at 10 mph or less. The chance for rain will continue into tonight and lows will drop into the upper 30s. Winds will continue to remain light. Tomorrow and Thursday we will see a little rebound in the temperatures with upper 40s and even the chance for a 50 degree reading in Blaine and Sumas on Thursday. Expect mostly cloudy skies along the coast with the chance of rain continuing in the middle part of the county. Looking ahead, a chance for rain will continue through Saturday. The ski area will be around 10 degrees colder with a chance of a little snow with little accumulation.

The Nooksack River has leveled off, and while there will be little increase in flow and river level heading into the weekend; current temperatures and limited rainfall will not cause much of a change as things look now.

Coastal Weather for Whatcom County

For the Coastal and Inland waters of Whatcom County, we are looking for winds under 15 knots for the next several days and wind waves of around one foot or so.

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.