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.

Whatcom County is in Phase 2 of the Washington Safe Start Plan. Simplistically, social distancing, the mask directive and groups of 5 or less are the guidelines of Phase 2. More info about Phase 2 in Whatcom County can be found here.

Advisories, Watches and Warnings: 

There is a gale warning in effect until 1200 today. There is also a small craft advisory in effect from 1100 this morning to 1700 this afternoon.

Whatcom County Weather

A wet start to today with the steadier precipitation breaking to showers as the morning goes on, but it will stay fairly frequent and could be moderate at times, especially to the east near the foothills and Cascades. Showers will begin to decrease later in the afternoon, tapering off in the evening. Expect dry conditions the second half of tonight. It will be milder and generally drier Wednesday, however there’ll be a chance for at least a stray shower or two during the afternoon hours, mainly East near the elevated terrain.  

Coastal Weather for Whatcom County

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

Tides at Cherry Point for the next two days:

Here are a few emergency management reminders:

COVID-19: Everyone in Whatcom County is directed to wear a face covering while at any indoor or outdoor public space where you may be within 6 feet of someone who does not live with you. You can find more info about face coverings and other protective actions here.

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.