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 

The Small Craft Advisory issued yesterday remains in effect until 10:00am this morning for west winds 20-30 knots.  Environment Canada has issued a Gale Warning for today, tonight and tomorrow.

Weather Around Whatcom County

Whatcom County Inland Weather

Today will be mostly cloudy with temperatures ranging from the mid to upper 40s. The Wind will be on the lighter side.  Lows tonight will be in the upper 30s or lower 40s with showers developing late.  On Saturday, high temperatures will once again climb to the mid to upper 40s with rain continuing.  The wind will increase from the west with gusts to around 20mph in the middle part of the county, but Blaine could see gusts to 40 mph or a little stronger.  Temperatures will drop into the mid-30s.  Rain will continue through the weekend with a cooling trend starting Sunday and continuing into early next week.  By Tuesday, highs will only reach 38 degrees. Sumas and Maple Falls could see rain/snow mixtures Saturday night into Sunday could see some rain/snow mixtures.  Higher elevations will be colder – Newhalem’s high today will be 38 with a low tonight of 34 and a rain/snow mixture. On Saturday night, southwest winds with gusts to 20mph will impact Newhalem and snow with accumulations of 1-3 inches are possible.  Another inch of snow is possible on Sunday.

Rivers and Streams

All forks of the Nooksack River are seeing higher levels today due to the rain.  While the South Fork has peaked at Saxon Bridge, the level at Cedarville is just shy of peaking.  At Ferndale, the peak will occur about between 8:00 and 10:00 pm tonight.  No flooding will occur from this rain event.  

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters off Whatcom County the National Weather Service is calling for 15-25 knot west winds through Saturday with 20-30 knots Saturday afternoon and evening. On Sunday, the wind is supposed to drop back to 15-25 knots from the west.   All of the winds 15-25 knots or stronger are usually accompanied by a Small Craft Advisory, so watch for new ones to be issued soon when the current one expires at 10:00am.

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.