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 “Winter Storm Warning” for the Cascades in Whatcom and Skagit Counties continues until 4:00am February 2nd. Heavy snow continues above 4,000 feet and additional accumulations of 12-20 inches are possible. This includes the Mt. Baker Ski Area.

The Northwest Avalanche Center has issued an avalanche warning until 6:00pm today which includes the Cascade Mountains in Skagit and Whatcom Counties including backcountry terrain accessed from the Mt Baker Area, the Hwy 542 Corrido and Hwy 20 West.

A “Small Craft Advisory” is in effect from 10:00am this morning until 4:00pm this afternoon for southeast winds 15-25 knots with wind waves of 2-4 feet.

Weather Around Whatcom County

Whatcom County Inland Weather

Rain continues today and into tonight before switching over to showers. Temperatures will be in the mid-40s or a little above that with lows dropping down into the mid to upper 30s. Southeast winds will be a little gusty today along the western part of the county with some gusts reaching near 25 mph. Farther inland, winds will be much less perhaps around 10 mph. Showers will continue tomorrow with temperatures a few degrees cooler than today.  Higher elevations will be five to ten degrees colder. 

Rivers and Streams

All forks of the Nooksack River have risen a little bit. That will continue for another 24 hours at which time it will level off for a little while and then begin a gradual decrease. At the rivers peak height, it will still be well below the top of the bank.  There are no concerns of flooding.  

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters off Whatcom County southeast winds today will continue in the 15-25 knots range.  The wind dies down 10-20 knots this evening from the south but picks up again to 15-25 knots tomorrow. Expect a “Small Craft Advisory” to be issued for that period of higher winds. Tomorrow night the wind drops to 5-15 knots with wind waves of two feet or less.

Tides

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.

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