Good morning.  You have reached the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management Daily Briefing Line.  Today is Wednesday, March 4th and the time is 8:45 am.  

Information about COVID-19 also referred to as “coronavirus” can be found on the Whatcom County Health Department website. The URL is: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1617

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.  

Advisories, Watches and Warnings: 

A “Small Craft Advisory” remains in effect for southwest winds at 20-30 knots until 10:00 am this morning.

Whatcom County Weather

It’s nice to see the weather forecast was off a little bit and we’re going to have mostly sunny skies today . Temperatures will reach the mid to upper 40s across the county except the ski area and NewHalem where they will see temperatures in the 30s. Lows tonight will be in the mid to upper 30s except higher elevations. Winds will be on the lighter side today and tonight, generally 10 mph or less. That will change tomorrow and winds will be from the south with gusts from the south near 25 mph. Once the rain and rain showers settle in tomorrow, we can expect them to hang around for the remainder of the work week with temperatures hovering in the mid-40s for highs and low to mid-30s for lows. Definitely be on guard for the possibility of some freezing water on roadways when the temperatures drop below freezing level at night.

You may notice the Nooksack River level is just a little higher this morning; it will drop down over the next 24 hours or so and then climb about a foot or so on Friday. Once again, no flooding will occur but if you are on or near the river, familiar sand bars or visible hazards could become submerged so be careful.

Coastal Weather for Whatcom County

Winds for the Coastal and Inland waters of Whatcom County will continue to see velocities go back and forth over the next 24-36 hours. They will die down to 5-15 knots a little later this morning and then pick up again to 15-25 knots overnight and into tomorrow. Wind waves will be two to four feet. So look for another “Small Craft Advisory” to be issued later today for the higher winds tonight and tomorrow.

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.