COVID-19 - The “Proclamation of Emergency” signed by the Whatcom County Executive concerning COVID-19 remains in effect. 

The U.S. has extended an order closing the shared border to nonessential traffic until at least September 21, 2021.  Canada allows fully vaccinated Americans to visit Canada however, there are several additional requirements you need to be aware of.  See Canada Border Services Agency for additional requirements:  https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/gbi-rgf-eng.html.

**The Whatcom County Fire Marshal has issued an update to burn restrictions for unincorporated Whatcom County.  Recreations fires are once again allowed (information - https://www.whatcomcounty.us/381/Fire-Marshal.  You can call 360.778.5903.

Governor Inslee has issued an Emergency Proclamation titled "Wildfires-Burn Ban".  This burn ban is good until noon on Thursday September 30, 2021." Additionally, national park service, US Forest Service, Department of Natural Resources, individual fire districts, etc. have their own set of rules which you must review and comply with.

State Route 9:  Intermittent single lane closures continuing through the month of August and possibly into September just south of Acme.  Expect some delays during this time. as crews continue to complete the project.   

Inland Weather

Some good news on the precipitation front as we move into this week.  It looks like there is a pretty good chance of rain tomorrow and tomorrow night and then again on Thursday Night into Friday.  That is not likely to change the burn bans that are in effect, but we're starting to build up the moisture levels in the vegetation that will help keeping a fire from the explosive situations witnessed around the country. The weather today will be mostly sunny with highs generally in the mid-60s and lighter winds (10 mph or less from the south); Newhalem will be in the upper 50s. Tonight's lows will be around 50 degrees; look for a little cooler temps in the Newhalem area where upper 40s will be the low.  More clouds will move into the area overnight leading to the rain beginning sometime tomorrow morning.  Highs tomorrow will again be in the low to mid-60s (Newhalem in the mid-50s) and lows in the lower 50s.  Point Roberts will see some northeast winds tomorrow with gusts near 20 mph.  The rest of the county will see less wind but still there could be a few gusts in the 15 mph range from the south.  We should see some partly sunny skies on Wednesday.

Rivers and Streams

Flows within the rivers and streams of Whatcom County are normal; expect them to continue to flow steady at current levels.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

Onshore low level flow persisting through Monday.  Another front will arrive and move through area waters Tuesday and Tuesday night, yielding advisory level winds.  Stronger front arriving Friday with at least advisory level winds likely.  Winds.  Today:  S wind 5-15 knots easing to 10 knots in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2' or less. Tonight:  S wind 5-15 knots.  Wind waves 2' or less. Tomorrow:  SE wind 1o 10 knots becoming W 15-25 knots after midnight.  Wind waves 1' or less building to 2-4' after midnight.  Tomorrow Night:  E wind to 10 knots becoming W 15-25 knots after midnight.  Wind waves 1' or less building to 2-4' after midnight.  There has been no "Small Craft Advisory" issued yet for tomorrow night but if the winds remain at this level, expect one to be issued sometime tomorrow.

Emergency Management Tips and Reminders

It is National Preparedness Month and now is the time to Build a Kit...

After an emergency, you may need to rely on yourself and your household or community for several days. It’s important to have supplies set aside and ready to use, including water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid kit, copies of important paperwork, and additional items.

When building a kit, make sure to have one wherever you spend much of the time (e.g. home, work, car). Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have, such as medications or medical equipment, in case you have to evacuate quickly. 

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

A basic emergency supplies kit could include the following items:

Visit Ready.gov for a complete list of recommended emergency supplies.

COVID-19

Information concerning face coverings and other protective actions can be found 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.