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, and does not yet meet eligibility requirements to apply for Phase 3. 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, and updates 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.

Washington state has implemented a cloth mask mandate requiring the wearing of a mask in public indoors and wherever a social distance of six feet cannot be maintained outdoors. More info can be found here and here.

Advisories, Watches and Warnings: 

There is a small craft advisory in effect until 1400 this afternoon, and a gale warning in effect from 1400 this afternoon until 0500 Saturday.

Whatcom County Weather

Clouds will begin to increase today. Showers are expected to move into the area this afternoon before tapering off again in the evening. Showers will pick up again late tonight and continue into the day Saturday. Dry weather will return Saturday afternoon. Temperatures will be warm again today but cooler temps are expected on Saturday with cloudy skies and showers returning to the region.

Coastal Weather for Whatcom County

For the Coastal and Inland waters of Whatcom County, we can expect southwesterly wind to 10 knots. Wind waves should be 1 foot or less. Tonight, the winds should shift southerly 10 to 20 knots, becoming southwesterly again after midnight, with wind waves 1 to 3 feet.

Tides at Cherry Point for the next two days:

Here are a few emergency management reminders:

COVID-19: Everyone in Washington State, including Whatcom County, is directed to wear a face covering while at any indoor public space and any 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 and 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.