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” is in effect for south winds 20-30 knots from 11:00am this morning until 5:00 pm tomorrow afternoon.

Whatcom County Weather

We’ll have mostly cloudy skies today with a chance of rain off and on. Winds will be from the south around 15 mph with maximum gusts to 25 mph. Temperatures will be in the mid-40s for the lower areas of the county with upper 30s for higher elevations and colder yet at the ski area. Lows tonight will drop into the upper 30s; with the wind it will feel much colder. Tomorrow will be mostly the same with gusty west winds near 20 or 25 mph. As we head into the weekend, temperatures will actually get colder and we will see upper 30s for highs on Saturday. There will be a chance for some rain/snow mixtures during this period also especially around the 500 foot level. No accumulations are predicted.

The Nooksack River will be running at current levels on all forks through Saturday.

Coastal Weather for Whatcom County

We’ll have some wind for the next couple of days that will impact the Coastal and Inland waters of Whatcom County. Southeast winds today in the 15-25 mph range will increase to 20-30 knots from the south overnight and then switch to the northwest tomorrow at 15-25 knots. Wind waves will range from two to four to five to seven feet during the peak velocities. Winds will finally drop down to 5-15 knots tomorrow night..

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.