Information about COVID-19 also referred to as “coronavirus” 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 in late January and early February remains in effect at this time.

Advisories, Watches and Warnings: 

A “High Wind Warning” is in effect for Whatcom County beginning at 6:00pm this evening and lasting until noon tomorrow. Straight winds of 25-45 mph should be expected with gusts near 60 mph. These strong winds can move loose objects as well as break tree limbs or cause sporadic power outages.

A “Small Craft Advisory” is in effect from 11:00am this morning until 5:00 pm this afternoon for northeast winds 20-30 knots.

A “Gale Warning” is in effect from 5:00pm this afternoon until 2:00pm tomorrow afternoon for northeast winds 30-40 knots.

Whatcom County Weather

We’re in for a couple of bluster days with things finally improving on Sunday. Wind from the north or northeast will gradually increase throughout the day and we can expect some strong gusts over 45 mph especially near the Canadian Border tonight and tomorrow. Precipitation will be light, if there is any at all. Temperatures will climb into the mid to upper 40s today but after dropping to lows in the mid 20 tonight, they will only rebound to the mid-30s tomorrow. With the wind, it will feel much colder. Lows tomorrow night will drop again to the low 20s; Sunday we will see a little bit of a warm-up with highs getting into the mid-40s. There will still be some wind on Sunday but the sun will shine bright.

No changes are expected for the Nooksack River level over the next five days just a nice slow and steady flow.

Coastal Weather for Whatcom County

For the Coastal and Inland waters of Whatcom County, increasing winds today from the northeast will take us to “Small Craft Advisory” and then Gale Warning levels. These northeast winds will cause wind waves of up to six to eight feet at their maximum levels. Sunday will probably still see a “Small Craft Advisory” so watch for that to be issued by the National Weather Service.

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.