Information about Whatcom County’s response to COVID-19 is available at the Joint Information Center’s COVID-19 website. 

Active Incidents

The “Proclamation of Emergency” signed by the Whatcom County Executive concerning COVID-19 remains in effect.

The U.S. and Canada have extended an order closing their shared border to nonessential traffic. The move delays the border’s reopening by another 30 days, until at least June 21. This includes both vehicular traffic as well as recreational boating between the countries.

Advisories, Watches and Warnings: 

There will be a small craft advisory in effect from now until 0500 on Sunday.

Whatcom County Weather

Dry weather will continue through tonight, but rain is expected to return to the region Saturday. Sky cover will be mainly clear today, but clouds will begin to increase later tonight as the next weather system arrives from the south. Rain showers will begin Saturday morning, increasing to steady rain as we go into the afternoon. There will also be a chance for some thunderstorms through the day Saturday.

Coastal Weather for Whatcom County

For the Coastal and Inland waters of Whatcom County, we can expect westerly wind 10 to 20 knots becoming 5 to 15 knots in the afternoon. Wind waves should be 1 to 3 feet. Tonight, the winds should shift southwesterly 10 to 20 knots with wind waves 1 to 3 feet.

Tides at Cherry Point for the next two days:

Here are a few emergency management reminders:

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” - Benjamin Franklin

Whatcom County public health officials are recommending that everyone wear cloth face coverings in public places. While this isn’t a requirement, it is an additional step of protection that you should take to keep from spreading the virus to others. Wearing cloth face coverings will not prevent the spread of COVID-19 without other protective measures like staying 6 feet away from people who don’t live with you and washing your hands with soap frequently.

As we enter wildfire season, we recommend you create an emergency escape plan. Call us to learn what the evacuation plan is for your area. Discuss this evacuation route with everyone in your family. Ensure family members who live nearby know the route and have means of transportation. Also, stay informed by signing up for emergency text and alert messages from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Alert link on the county website. Finally, don’t forget to create an emergency kit.

Earthquakes can strike at any time, and everyone needs to “Be Prepared,” at home, at school, in the workplace, while shopping, in houses of worship, or just taking a walk in the park. Mother Nature does not pay any attention to the calendar, the weather or the readiness of our communities. Being prepared is a small investment of time, money and energy that will help protect you, your family and our community. If an earthquake happens, protect yourself right away. If you are in a car, pull over and stop. Set your parking brake. If you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow. If you are outdoors, stay outdoors away from buildings. Do not get in a doorway. Do not run outside.

The last thing you want during a windstorm is a tree or branch crashing through your roof or your living room window. That’s why it’s important to inspect the trees on your property, and summer is the ideal time to do that. It’s important to get potentially dangerous trees taken care of as soon as possible. If it’s unsafe for you to remove compromised branches on your own, call a professional to get the job done.

First aid training can be overlooked. Most people never take a formal first aid class. Maybe your mother taught you some first aid. Maybe you learned it as a Scout. First aid training may help you decide when to go to the emergency department. Most importantly, first aid training may just save your life or the life of someone you love. First aid is just that—first! Good first aid training helps you recognize and treat life-threatening conditions and injuries.  The American Red Cross, your local fire department, and most workplaces offer first aid training and it is recommended that you sign up you and your family.

Stay safe!

This briefing line is not updated on weekends unless an incident occurs.