This Thursday, June 4th from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM The Whatcom Marine Resource Committee, the Puget Sound
Partnership and EPA are hosting an online “Tsunami Hazards in Whatcom County”speaker series event featuring Dr. Carrie Garrison-Laney speaking on the latest
tsunami models & historic tsunami deposits in the North Sound area, andDeputy Director John Gargett speaking on the Whatcom County Tsunami Warning
Network and Response Plan. You can join from PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone orAndroid device: https://zoom.us/j/999322452 Meeting ID: 999 322
452 • Password98225 • Or join by phone: (253) 215-8782.

Active Incidents

The “Proclamation of Emergency” signed by the Whatcom County Executive concerning COVID-19 remains in effect. Information about Whatcom County’s response to COVID-19 is available at the Joint Information Center’s COVID-19 website. 

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 is a small craft advisory in effect from 1500 this afternoon until 2300 this evening.

Whatcom County Weather

Dry conditions are returning this morning and will continue through today and overnight. There will be a chance for a shower or two Thursday morning as a weak system moves into the region, although it should remain mainly dry. Temperatures will be near average for this time of year with mainly light winds over the next few days.

Coastal Weather for Whatcom County

For the Coastal and Inland waters of Whatcom County, we can expect northwesterly wind 5 to 15 knots. Wind waves should be 2 feet or less. Tonight, the winds should shift southwesterly 15 to 25 knots, easing to 10 to 20 knots later on, with wind waves 2 to 4 feet.

Tides at Cherry Point for the next two days:

Here are a few emergency management reminders:

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.

Tsunami planning - talk to everyone in your household about what to do if a tsunami occurs. Create and practice an evacuation plan for your family. Familiarity may save your life. Be able to follow your escape route at night and during inclement weather. You should be able to reach your safe location on foot within 15 minutes. Practicing your plan makes the appropriate response more of a reaction, requiring less thinking during an actual emergency. If you are a tourist, familiarize yourself with local tsunami evacuation protocols. You may be able to safely evacuate to the third floor and higher in reinforced concrete hotel structures.

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.

"Procrastination is the foundation of all disasters."  - Pandora Poikilo

Be Prepared and Stay Safe!

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