Winter Storm Warning above 2000 feet continues; Gale Warning in effect until 10:00pm; wind advisory in effect until 4:00pm. Rain will continue today accompanied by some strong wind for the lowlands and coastal areas. Highs: mid-40s; lows: mid-30s.
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 “Winter Storm Warning” remains in effect until 10:00pm Friday above 2000 feet. Heavy snow and windy conditions will cause reduced visibility. Accumulated snow will range between one to three and half feet in the passes.
A “Gale Warning” is in effect and will continue until 10:00pm this evening. South/southwest winds will continue throughout the day. Environment Canada has also issued a gale warning for the Strait of Georgia South of Nanaimo for northwest winds 30-40 knots with gusts on Friday to 45 knots.
A “Wind Advisory” continues in effect until 4:00pm this afternoon. South winds 25-35 mph with gusts 45-55 mph are expected.
Weather Around Whatcom County
Whatcom County Inland Weather
Rain will continue today but gradually turn to showers tomorrow for the lower areas of Whatcom County. Maple Falls is expected to see rain today and tomorrow while Newhalem will have rain/snow mixtures today with some slush or snow accumulations occurring tonight and tomorrow. Temperatures will continue to reach the mid-40s with lows dropping into the 30s. Southerly winds will continue today and then switch to the northwest for tomorrow. The National Weather Service is calling for 25 to 35 mph steady winds with some gusts getting to 45 or even 55 mph, especially along the coast. Blaine and Point Roberts could see some of these winds continue into Friday. Saturday will see a brief period of sun before the next weather system moves into the area bringing rain for the lowlands, snow for the higher elevations, and a good chance of some wind.
Rivers and Streams
All forks of the Nooksack continue to drop and this weather system will not change the overall trend although it may cause a slight, hardly noticeable bump Saturday into Sunday.
Whatcom County Coastal Weather
For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters off Whatcom County, the gale warning continues into this evening. 25-35 knots southwest winds will cause four to six foot wind waves. The wind will taper off to 15-25 knots after midnight but pick up a little on Friday with 20-30 knots winds and four to six foot wind waves. West/northwest winds will continue into Friday night again in the 20-30 knot range. Bottom line, after the gale warning winds come to an end, you should expect Small Craft Advisories to continue through Friday night. Monitor marine weather for the updated weather as well as issued advisories, watches, and warnings.
Tides
|
|
|
|
|---|
Date |
|
|
|
February 25, 2021
| 1036 |
| 6.61 |
February 25, 2021
| 1440 | 7.86 |
|
February 25, 2021
| 2209 |
| -1.03 |
February 26, 2021
| 0549 | 9.46 |
|
February 26, 2021
| 1109 |
| 6.01 |
February 26, 2021
| 1541 | 8.02 |
|
February 26, 2021
| 2249 |
| -0.97 |
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.