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: 

There are currently no advisories, watches or warnings for Whatcom County

Whatcom County Weather

Showers likely today, mainly between 10am and 4pm.  Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. East wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm  in the afternoon.  Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. On Saturday night there is a chance of rain showers before 10pm, then a slight chance of rain and snow showers.  Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Calm wind.  Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected. For Sunday it should be partly sunny, with a high near 45. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable. 

Coastal Weather for Whatcom County

Light wind becoming NE to 10 kt after midnight. Wind waves less than 1 ft becoming 1 ft or less after midnight. A  slight chance of showers. Over the weekend we may see winds from the Southeast 10-15.

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.