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 March 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.

On March 11th, Governor Inslee announced all of Washington will advance to Phase 3 of the Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery Plan beginning March 22nd.  See the WA State Coronavirus Response website for impacts or any caveats.

Advisories, Watches and Warnings 

A “Small Craft Advisory” is in effect from 11:00am this morning until 2:00am Friday morning for southeast winds 20-30 knots along with thee to five-foot wind waves.

A “Gale Watch” is in effect from 2:00am tomorrow morning until 6:00pm tomorrow evening.

Environment Canada has not put out any watches or warnings but there is a call for southeast winds 20-30 knots for the Strait of Georgia-South of Nanaimo.

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Weather Around Whatcom County

Whatcom County Inland Weather

Rain will move into the area a little later today and we should expect it to continue over night before turning to showers which will continue through the weekend. Temperatures will continue to reach 50 degrees or a little higher for the highs while the lows will drop down to the low 40s or upper 30s.  Wind will pick-up later today and we will likely see some gusts anywhere from 20-30 mph through tomorrow.  Newhalem, will be a little cooler than other locations in the county and with that will come a chance for some rain/snow mixtures Saturday night through Monday.  The clouds will help keep low temperatures above the freezing level; however, if you’re traveling to higher elevations, there is a chance for rain/snow or all snow conditions and slush or snow-packed roads can develop quickly.  Slow down if you encounter those conditions.

Rivers and Streams

We can expect all forks of the Nooksack River to creep up about a foot or two over the current level in the coming week.  No river flooding will occur, but familiar sand bars or large rocks on the river bed may go underwater from time to time.  A greater concern would be small streams or water pooling on roads which can cause hydroplaning or cars stalling.  If you encounter water over the road, turn around and find an alternate route.   

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters off Whatcom County, we’re going to see “Small Craft Advisory” level and “Gale Force” winds form time to time over the next several days so monitor marine weather as the announcements may come with little notice. Southeast winds today will rise to 15-25 knots and then 25-35 knots after midnight. Much of the same is predicted for tomorrow dropping back to 15-25 knots Friday night.  Wind waves will range from two to four feet to four to six feet during the peak winds.

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.