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.
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.
The U.S. and Canada have for a second time extended an order closing their shared border to nonessential traffic. The move delays the border’s reopening by another 30 days, until at least July 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 0000 tonight.
Whatcom County Weather
Dry conditions are expected through Tuesday with no concerns. Mostly clear skies are expected through tonight and Tuesday morning before some high clouds move overhead on Tuesday afternoon. Temperatures will be trending warmer each day on Monday and Tuesday.
Coastal Weather for Whatcom County
For the Coastal and Inland waters of Whatcom County, we can expect southeasterly wind 5 to 15 knots, becoming southwesterly in the afternoon. Wind waves should be 2 feet or less. Tonight, the winds should shift westerly to 10 knots, becoming southeasterly after midnight, with wind waves 1 foot or less.
Tides at Cherry Point for the next two days:
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|
|
|
|---|
Date | Time | High | Low |
| June 22, 2020 | 0110 |
| 7.24 |
| June 22, 2020 | 0441 | 8.08 |
|
| June 22, 2020 | 1245 |
| -2.33 |
| June 22, 2020 | 2054 | 9.64 |
|
| June 23, 2020 | 0159 |
| 7.20 |
| June 23, 2020 | 0522 | 7.96 |
|
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.
Volcano tips: Unlike earthquakes, volcanoes rouse from sleep with some notice—shaking the ground, bulging their flanks, or shifting the gases wafting from their craters and vents. And for many volcanoes near populations, scientists closely watch their every move, which allows them to better understand when they might burst to life. Since we live near a volcano, or if you plan to visit, familiarize yourself with Mount Baker. Understand where you can safely tromp and where you need to steer clear. It’s also important to look up evacuation routes and hazards specific to Whatcom County.
Some places offer regular updates of volcanic activity. For example, the U.S. Geological Survey’s Volcano Notification Service emails information about monitored volcanoes in the United States.
Another vital preparation step is assembling an emergency kit that includes supplies like food, water, respiratory protection, eye protection, and a battery-powered radio. When preparing your kit, consider each member of your family and their needs—and don’t forget your pets. The Department of Homeland Security has a detailed guide about putting together a kit for many different contingencies.
"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.