Good morning.  You have reached the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management Daily Briefing Line.  Today is Wednesday, February 26th and the time is 11:15 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 for Whatcom County at this time.

Whatcom County Weather

The chance of rain continues today although we have partly cloudy skies here in Bellingham at the moment. Temperatures will climb to the mid to upper 40s for most places in the lower areas of the county and mid 30s at the ski area. Winds will continue to be on the lighter side with Sumas and NewHalem seeing up to eight mph form the west/southwest. Chance for rain continues tonight with low temperatures around 40s degrees and winds around 10 mph from the south. Tomorrow the chance of rain continues with temperatures reaching the 50 degree mark. The extended forecast is for the chance of rain in the lower areas and snow at higher elevations such as the ski area through the weekend.

The Nooksack River will be in a see saw pattern for the next 10 days. The first increase comes this weekend when we could see the river level up about one foot. There will be no flood impacts from this but if you’re on the river, the increased level could cover up some familiar sand-bars or fallen tree hazards. So, be careful. The next one is around March 3rd and will be almost identical to one mentioned earlier.

Coastal Weather for Whatcom County

For the Coastal and Inland waters of Whatcom County, there could be some wind from the south later today at 10-20 knots with wind waves of one to three feet. Tomorrow, winds will be 15 knots or less with maximum two foot wind waves.

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.