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.

A "Small Craft Advisory" is in effect for the northern inland waters including the San Juan Islands until 2:00am Thursday fpr northwest winds 15-30 knots.

A "Gale Watch" is in effect from for the northern inland waters including the San Juan Islands from late Thursday night through Friday afternoon for southeast winds 25-35 knots. 

Environment Canada has issued a "Strong Wind Warning".  Wind northwest 20-30 knots diminishing to northwest 10-20 knots near midnight and to light Thursday morning except northwest 10-15 knots near Vancouver Island.  Wind becoming southeast 5-15 knots near noon Thursday.

**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

Look for some sun today and tomorrow. Temperatures are cooling off and we'll stay in the 60s for highs.  Newhalem will top out in the mid-50s. Overnight lows will be cooler as well with low 50s or mid to upper 40s in most locations.  Newhalem will drop into the upper 30s.  Winds around the county will be in the 5-15 mph range but they could be a little stronger along the coast and Point Roberts can expect to see the strongest winds from the west/ northwest with gusts as high as 30mph.  Tonight the wind in Point Roberts could push gust to 38 mph or so. Tomorrow's highs will be about the same.  As the day moves on increasing clouds will move into the area and rain should begin tomorrow night.  Rain on Friday will be heavy at times.  Lower areas of the county could see an inch of rain Friday with another half inch or so on Friday evening.  Areas near the foothills or higher elevations will see significantly more rain with one to two inches Friday and again Friday night. Snow is forecase above 6000'. With these amounts of rain several things will occur.  Visibility will be impacted substantially and there will be pooling on the roadways which will affect vehicle handling. The remedies are: 1)  Allow extra time to get to your destination; and 2)  Slow down to ensure your tires remain in contact with the roadway and avoid hydroplaning.

Rivers and Streams

Flows within the rivers and streams of Whatcom County are normal; expect them to continue to flow steady at current levels.  The rain forecast beginning Thursday will cause the rivers to rise somewhat, but will not create any flooding issues.  Most of the water will  still be absorbed into the ground due to our deficit moisture levels.  Nevertheless, it's time to keep an eye on strong weather systems as we will eventually see more runoff which will drive river levels up higher and at faster paces.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

Onshore flow continues today then weakens and turns southerly Thursday night as a strong frontal system approaches.  The front will sweep across the waters by late Friday evening.  Winds will ease behind the front but remain largely southerly as a broad surface trough remains over the coastal waters into the weekend.  Winds.  Today:  NW wind 20-30 knots.  Wind waves 3-5'. Tonight:  W wind 15-25 knots.  Wind waves 2-4'.  Tomorrow:  NW wind 15-25 knots easing to 10 knots in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2-4'  subsiding to 1' or less in the afternoon.  Tomorrow Night:  W wind to 10 knots becoming SE after midnight.  Wind waves 2' or less.  

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.