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.

Train Derailment Update.   Incident Number 20-4465 has been assigned to this event.

The U.S. and Canada have extended an order closing their shared border to nonessential traffic until at least February 21, 2021. This includes both vehicular and boating between the countries.

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.

Advisories, Watches and Warnings

A “Small Craft Advisory” is in effect until 10:00am this morning for northeast winds 15-25 knots.

Weather Around Whatcom County

Whatcom County Inland Weather

Today’s weather will be sunny with some north wind around 10 mph except for the Sumas area where northeast winds could gust to around 25 mph..  High temperature will be in the low 40s and lows tonight will drop to the upper 20s and clear. Tomorrow will once again be clear with highs in the lower 40s and east or south winds again in the 10-15 mph range. Tomorrow night the low temperatures will be a little warmer as the next weather system moves into the area.  The system could bring a rain/snow mixture with it in the lower areas of the county and Sumas could see rain or snow.  Newhalem will get snow but accumulations will be 1-2 inches of snow on Sunday and Sunday night.    

Rivers and Streams

There are no changes in the outlook for rivers and streams in the area.  The Nooksack is gradually dropping and that will continue over the next week as things appear now.  The next time the river appears to rise a little is at the end of the month going into February.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters off Whatcom County northeast wind 15-25 knots will drop to 10-20 knots this afternoon.  Tonight, northeast winds will be 5-15 knots.  Look for southeast wind tomorrow 5-15 knots rising to 15-25 knots after midnight.  Sunday could see 20-30 knot southeast wind.  Look for Small Craft Advisories to be issued for the 15-25 knots and stronger wind.

Tides

1.02

COVID-19

Everyone in Washington State 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.

For those who are tide watchers, these are pretty impressive tides but as happened in the 2018 storm, the tides were pushed nearly two feet higher from the storm pressure (called storm surge) and then the west wind added another 3-4 feet of waves.

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