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.

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” is in effect above 2000 feet from 4:00pm this afternoon until tomorrow night at 10:00pm.  Accumulations of 12 to 24 inches of snow are possible and passes receiving possible 18-24 inches of snow.

An “Avalanche Warning” has bee issued by the Northwest Avalanche Center for the Cascades from the Canadian Border to I-90 at all elevation bands. 

A “Small Craft Advisory” goes into effect at 1:00 pm this afternoon until 1:00am tomorrow morning for west winds 20-30 knots.

Highway 20 is closed at MP 120 due to avalanche danger.  A snow slide has closed SR-20 between Diablo and Newhalem

Weather Around Whatcom County

Whatcom County Inland Weather

Expect a wet week with some breaks including some sun, definitely clouds, andmostly showers or rain. Today should see some clearing with highs near 50 degrees.  Lows tonight will drop to the upper 30s.  Southwest wind will range between 7 to 13 mph. Blaine and Point Roberts will have southwest wind with gusts to near 30 mph today and tonight with westerly winds gusting to 25 mph or stronger tomorrow.  Rain is again forecast for tomorrow but as the day goes on, it could turn to a rain/snow mixture with little to no accumulation.  Maple Falls will see a rain/snow mixture late tonight into tomorrow and there is a possibility of a little accumulation.  Temperatures in Maple Falls will drop to near freezing tonight and down to 25 tomorrow night.  Newhlaem will see the greatest chance for snow accumulations on Tuesday when three to seven inches of the white stuff may fall.  While highs tomorrow will again be in the mid-40s, because of clearing skies tomorrow night, the low will drop to around 30 degrees.  Environment Canada is calling for showers through tomorrow and then clear tomorrow night.

Rivers and Streams

As far as the three forks of Nooksack River levels look, the South Fork near Saxon Bridge is peaking now; Cedarville will peak later today, and Ferndale will peak tomorrow.  All river level predictions have the river remaining below flood stage.  However, there could be other pooling occurring so check the Whatcom County Public Works website for road closures and detours.    

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters off Whatcom County southwest winds to day will increase to 15-25 knots this afternoon and 20-30 knots from the west tonight. Expect west winds tomorrow 15-25 knots switching to the northwest tomorrow night.  So, another “Small Craft Advisory” will likely be issued for that period.  Wind waves should be expected to be 2-4 feet.

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.