There was quite a light show Thursday night when debris was burning up in the atmosphere from the Falcon 9 second stage launch that failed to deorbit properly. Reports and videos extended from Oregon through Whatcom County.
Active Incidents
COVID-19 - The “Proclamation of Emergency” signed by the Whatcom County Executive concerning COVID-19 remains in effect. The U.S. and Canada have extended an order closing their shared border to nonessential traffic until at least April 21, 2021
Advisories, Watches and Warnings
There are currently no Advisories, Watches or Warnings for Whatcom County.
Whatcom County Weather
Inland Weather
Dry weather takes over for a couple of days. High pressure building will lead to dry and favorable conditions. There will still be a lot of cloud cover as the air continues to be very moist, but no showers will be seen through Saturday afternoon. There will be no marginal overnight freeze potential either due to the presence of thick cloud cover. By late Saturday, the tail end of a system that sits across the border into Canada could scrape the region and result in a couple light showers late day, but otherwise it will just be dry. Winds will remain generally light. Overall, no concerns through Saturday. The weather will remain dry Saturday night with some partial clearing skies but temperatures will remain fairly constant due to south winds increasing. We will see showers develop as early as around noon on Sunday and then increasing through the day. Cold air rushes in aloft in the evening, dropping snow levels likely to around 500ft. As a result, there will be a chance for some lowland wet flurries especially during periods of heavier precipitation but no accumulation. Showers will then taper off shortly after midnight and then the pattern looks to dry up again early next week.
Rivers and Streams
Flows within the rivers and streams of Whatcom County are normal for this time of year and there is no likelihood of flooding.
Whatcom County Coastal Weather
For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters off Whatcom County high pressure will remain over area waters through Saturday. Another front will arrive Sunday, bringing another round of breezy winds and building seas to the area waters. While today and tomorrow winds will remain between 5 and 15 knots, by Sunday winds are expected to build to 20-30 knots, with wind waves of 3-5 feet.
Tides
|
|
|
|
|---|
Date | Time | High Tide | Low Tide |
| March 26, 2021 | 1104 |
| 5.0 |
| March 26, 2021 | 1551 | 7.3 |
|
| March 26, 2021 | 2238 |
| -0.0 |
| March 27, 2021 | 0547 | 9.1 |
|
| March 27, 2021 | 1137 |
| 4.0 |
| March 27, 2021 | 1656 | 7.7 |
|
| March 27, 2021 | 2322 |
| 0.4 |
Emergency Management Tips and Reminders
Tsunami Preparedness
A tsunami can kill or injure people and damage or destroy buildings and infrastructure as waves come in and go out. A tsunami is a series of enormous ocean waves caused by earthquakes, underwater landslides, volcanic eruptions, or asteroids. A tsunami in Whatcom County could reach between 10-20’ and cause flooding and disrupt transportation, power, communications, and the water supply. You can prepare for the potential of a tsunami in Whatcom County:
- If you live near, or regularly visit a coastal area, learn about the risk of tsunami in the area. Some at-risk communities have maps with evacuation zones and routes. If you are a visitor, ask about community plans.
- Learn the signs of a potential tsunami, such as an earthquake, a loud roar from the ocean, or unusual ocean behavior, such as a sudden rise or wall of water or sudden draining of water showing the ocean floor.
- Know and practice community evacuation plans and map out your routes from home, work, and play. Pick shelters 40 feet or more above sea level.
- Create a family emergency communication plan that has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated.
- Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
- Consider earthquake insurance and a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood or earthquake damage.
There is also a wealth of information on Tsunami preparedness on Ready.Gov. You can also contact the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management at 360.676.6681 for additional information.
COVID-19
Washington State residents are 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 on the Whatcom County Health Department Website.
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.