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

There are currently no Advisories, Watches or Warnings for Whatcom County from the National Weather Service, however Environment Canada does have a strong wind warning in effect  for the Strait of Georgia south of Nanaimo.

Inland Weather

Mainly dry conditions are expected into the weekend. Partly cloudy skies and dry conditions are expected through Friday afternoon. Temperatures remain in the low to mid 50s for most with generally light winds. Friday night, partly cloudy skies continue with dry conditions. Temperatures remain above freezing in the mid to upper 30s for most. Moving into Saturday, increasing cloud cover is expected throughout the day as another system gears to move in. This system will bring periods of light rain area wide in the early afternoon hours. Temperatures are expected to be similar to Friday with generally light winds. Then Saturday night, this system continues to push through with rain tapering off early overnight with dry conditions following. Temperatures remain mild with cloud cover. 

Rivers and Streams

Flows within the rivers and streams of Whatcom County are normal with no likelihood of flooding.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters off Whatcom County calm weather is expected through the start of the weekend. Another weak front will reach the coastal waters Sunday. High pressure over the the northeastern Pacific begins to build  into the waters next week, but remains centered far enough  offshore to allow a few disturbances to possibly brush the coastal waters at times.   Looking towards next week, light, lingering showery activity looks to remain in the area through Sunday with cooler temperatures as this system decays; but overall, conditions look to remain mainly dry with showers remaining in the foothills for the most part. Conditions then remain dry through mid week before another system moves in Thursday with more rain. Fairly steady, widespread rain looks to continue through Thursday into Friday before breaking into showers by Saturday. Showery conditions then look to continue through the weekend. Breezy conditions can be expected with passing systems.

Environment Canada does have a strong wind warning in effect however.    Wind light increasing to southeast 5 to 15 knots near midnight except southeast 15 to 20 near Vancouver Island Saturday morning and afternoon. Wind becoming northwest 15 to 25 Saturday evening.

Tides For Cherry Point

April Is Financial Preparedness Month

Whatcom County residents at all income levels have experienced the challenges of rebuilding their lives after a disaster or other emergency. In these stressful times, having access to personal financial, insurance, medical and other records is crucial for starting the recovery process quickly and efficiently.

1. Gather financial and critical personal, household and medical information.
2. Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis. Keep a small amount of cash at home in a safe place. It is important to have small bills on hand because ATMs and credit cards may not work during a disaster when you need to purchase necessary supplies, fuel or food.
3. Obtain property (homeowners or renters), health and life insurance if you do not have them. Not all insurance policies are the same. Review your policy to make sure the amount and types of coverage you have meets the requirements for all possible hazards. Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program.
4. For more helpful financial preparedness tips, download the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) to get started planning today.

There is also a wealth of information on financial 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.