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 is now open; however, continue to check with Washington State Department of Transportation before traveling for conditions that could impact the road status.

A “Gale Warning” is in effect until 1:00am Saturday morning for southeast winds 25-35 knots. 

A “Wind Advisory” is in effect until 2:00pm this afternoon for south winds 20-35 mph with gusts to 50mph.

Environment Canada issued a Gale Warning for the Strait of Georgia-South of Nanaimo where southeast winds are expected to increase to 30-40 knots before dropping back to lower levels this afternoon.

Weather Around Whatcom County

Whatcom County Inland Weather

Weather around the county today calls for rain at times and windy conditions. Temperatures are going to reach 50 degrees. Steady winds along the coast could be around 30mph with gusts much higher. The winds will drop off later today to around 20 mph and tomorrow we can expect south winds around 10mph. Lows tonight will be in the upper 30s It still looks like we’re going to be wet through Sunday night but it will be sporadic with the exception of Saturday night when a steady rain will fall.  Look for temperatures to continue to reach the upper 40s with lows in the upper 30s.  Point Roberts will continue to see winds a little stronger than the rest of the county and they will persist into Saturday night but temperatures will be about the same. Maple Falls will see low temperatures a few degrees lower than other locations and Newhalem will not see much of the wind but could see some rain/snow mixtures thru Sunday. Newhalem temperatures will also be about six or seven degrees colder than the rest of the county.

Rivers and Streams

The Nooksack River is ever so slightly starting to rise and that will continue into tomorrow. So far, the rain is a little less than originally anticipated so the river may only rise a foot or slightly more. No river flooding will occur. Some streams could be impacted where rain showers are more intense so be alert for isolated situations.

Also remember, some pooling could in low areas arod the county where culverts or drains are plugged or the ground is just too saturated. Driving into standing water at fast speeds can cause hydroplaning and loss of vehicle control.  

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters off Whatcom County, southeast winds 25-35 knots will cause four to six foot wind waves. The wind will switch to the south a little later and then drop to 20-30 knots after  midnight with wind waves scaling back to three to five feet. Tomorrow winds will be in the 5-15 knot range but are expected to rise again to 15-25 knots after midnight. Look for a “Small Craft Advisory” to be issued for that period.

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.