These Daily Briefings on Incidents, Advisories, Watches and Warnings, current weather and Emergency Management tips are published Monday through Friday, as well as during times of increased awareness or actual events.

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 gale warning in effect from 2100 this evening to 1200 Tuesday. There is also a small craft advisory in effect until 1100 this morning, and then another from 0000 tonight to 1900 Tuesday.

Whatcom County Weather

Generally drier conditions during today with just a few scattered showers at times, mainly in the morning. Any of these sporadic showers end by the afternoon then some dry time after. The next weather system arrives the second half of the night, bringing a wave of steadier rain. Rain breaks up later in the morning hours, turning to scattered showers that linger the rest of the day tomorrow.

Coastal Weather for Whatcom County

For the Coastal and Inland waters of Whatcom County, we can expect southwesterly wind 15 to 25 knots, easing to 10 to 20 knots in the afternoon. Wind waves should be 2 to 4 feet. Tonight, the winds should remain southwesterly and shift to 5 to 15 knots, becoming southeasterly 15 to 25 knots after midnight, with wind waves 2 feet or less building to 2 to 4 feet after midnight.

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.

Landslide Preparedness: Become familiar with the land around where you live and work so that you understand your risk in different situations. If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and notice whether the water changes from clear to muddy. Such changes may mean there is debris flow activity upstream so be prepared to move quickly. Seek the advice of a geotechnical expert for evaluating landslide hazards or designing corrective techniques to reduce landslide risk. A professional will be able to advise you of the best ways to prevent or reduce landslide risk without creating further hazard.

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.