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 

SR-20 closed in both directions at MP 120 due to a snow slide. WSDOT crews will be evaluating the situation this morning to determine what actions are necessary. Check the WSDOT website for updates.

A “Winter Weather Advisory” is in effect until 6:00pm this evening above 2000 feet for additional snow accumulations of three to six inches.

A “Small Craft Advisory” is currently in effect until 7:00am Saturday morning for northwest wind 20-30 knots. 

Environment Canada has issued a “Gale Warning” for the Strait of Georgia-South of Nanaimo for northwest w5-35 knots winds with gusts to 45 knots.  And there is a “Wind Warning” for Vancouver, BC so some of that wind will show up in the northwest areas of Whatcom County.

Weather Around Whatcom County

Whatcom County Inland Weather

You will still need an umbrella early as a few showers are around but the clouds will continue to diminish through the day and by tonight we will see mostly clear skies. Temperatures will be in the mid-40s but it will feel colder thanks to some northwest winds gusting around 20mph in the Bellingham area but as you get towards Blaine and Point Roberts, gusts are expected to reach 40-47 mph.  For Point Roberts, that northwest wind will continue overnight and then start drooping off early in the morning.  The low tonight will drop down to the freezing level in the lowlands but colder in the north and higher elevations. Sumas could see a low of 29 tonight.  Newhalem will continue to see the chance for snow or a rain/snow mixture into early next week.  For tomorrow, increasing clouds will lead to another bout of rain lasting into next week.  Fortunately, the temperatures will remain in the mid to upper 40s while lows will be near 40s degrees.  Southeast wind will accompany the weather system moving in Saturday night but they are not predicted to be strong, at least for now.

Rivers and Streams

As we enter next week, we’ll see some ebb and flow periods for all forks of the Nooksack River.  None of them are going to cause any flood concerns but if you’re on or near the river, you might notice a sand bar appear and disappear due to the rainy periods.  

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters off Whatcom County, Once we get past this current barrage of Small Craft Advisories which last into Saturday morning, winds will be from the south/southeast under 20 knots. But, storm systems can strengthen quickly, so always check marine weather before heading out in the open water. 

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.