Gail Warning now; Winter Weather Advisory for higher elevations beginning at 10:00am. Rain moves into our area later today. High Temps near 44; lows mid to upper 30s. South wind developing with gusts to 20mph today. Same for tomorrow with lighter winds.
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 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 “Gale Warning” is in effect until 3:00pm today for southeast winds up to 35 knots this afternoon with wind waves of 5-7 feet.
A “Small Craft Advisory” is in effect from 3:00pm this afternoon until 1:00 am tomorrow (Friday) morning for south winds to 25 knots.
A “Winter Weather Advisory” is in effect from 10:00am this morning to noon tomorrow. Snow, with accumulations between eight and eighteen inches is possible in places like the Mount Baker Ski Area.
Weather Around Whatcom County
Whatcom County Inland Weather
As things stand now, we will see a chance of rain develop today and that will continue through Monday; some periods of rain will be heavier than others especially when you get int the foothills. Temperatures will remain a little above 40 degrees with lows hovering in the mid to upper 30s. We’ll see a south wind develop today with gusts tonight around 20 mph or a little higher; Sumas will have an east/northeast wind until later today when it switches to the south as well. Snow will fall in the higher elevations with a rain/snow mixture in lower areas like Maple Falls turning to all snow around the 1100 foot level which will rise throughout the day. Newhalem will go from rain/snow today and tomorrow, to all snow tomorrow night and Saturday, back to rain/snow on Sunday and then all rain Sunday night and beyond. Everyone in the lower areas of the county will receive rain or short duration rain/snow mixtures. Abbotsford and Vancouver are both looking at rain or shows only for the next five days.
Rivers and Streams
With the rain moving in on Thursday and continuing into next week, all forks of the Nooksack River will rise substantially over current levels. They will remain below flood level, but expect a rapid rise beginning Monday and then just as quick a drop on Tuesday.
Whatcom County Coastal Weather
For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters off Whatcom County winds today will be from the southeast rising to 30-40 knots this afternoon. Wind waves will reach 5-7 feet. Tonight winds will drop to 15-25 knots with wind waves of 2-4 feet. Tomorrow southwest winds will drop to 5-15 knots before picking up to 15-25 knots Friday night; watch for a Small Craft Advisory for this period.
Tides
|
|
|
|
|---|
Date | Time | High | Low |
February 18, 2021
| 1626 |
| 1.85 |
February 18, 2021
| 2343 | 6.53 |
|
February 19, 2021
| 0327 |
| 5.93 |
February 19, 2021
| 0916 | 8.24 |
|
February 19, 2021
| 1715 |
| 1.38 |
February 19, 2021
| 0150 | 7.08 |
|
February 20, 2021
| 0437 |
| 6.86 |
Emergency Management Tips and Reminders
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.