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 "High Wind Advisory" is in effect from 5:00am to 8:00pm Friday (9/17/2021) for southeast winds 30-40 mph with gusts to 55 mph expected.  This includes Western Whatcom County.

A "Gale Warning" is in effect for the northern inland waters including the San Juan Islands from 5:00am to 11:00pm Friday for southeast winds 25-35 knots. 

Environment Canada has issued a "Gale Warning" for the Strait of Georgia, South of Nanaimo.  Winds southeast 25-35 knots diminishing to southwesterly 15-25 knots this evening then becoming southwesterly 15 knots late overnight.  Wind increasing to south 15-25 knots Saturday afternoon.

**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.  

-Full 60-hour closure of SR 11 Old Fairhaven Parkway has been rescheduled due to significant rain in the forecast.  The rescheduled dates are Friday, September 24 at 6:00pm until 6:00am Monday, September 27th.

- Intermittent lane closures beginning week of September 20^th from 6:00am to 6:00pm on SR-546 (East Badger Road just east of Northwood Road in  Lynden) in preparation for culvert replacement beginning on September 27^th. See WSDOT website for additional information.

- Full 60-hour closure and detour of SR 546/East Badger Road just east of Northwood Road in Lynden beginning September 27^th through October 1^st to replace a concrete box culvert.  See WSDOT website (SR-546-Kamm Ditch Fish Passage) for additional information. 

Inland Weather

The rain has moved into the area but the National Weather Service has scaled back the amounts for the coast and lowlands.  We're still looking at the possibility of an inch or a little more in those areas, but the two to three inches will occur in the foothills or higher elevations.  The wind is still predicted to be around 30mph with higher gusts and we will see that pick up over the course of the day.  Temperatures will be in the mid-60s for most locations with slightly cooler temperatures in the Newhalem area.  Lows tonight will  drop into the mid-40s for Newhalem and mid-50s for others. Rain and rain showers will continue overnight and then continue on through the weekend as showers.  Point Roberts will continue to see some wind throughout the weekend with gusts in the mid-20s.   There could be a thunderstorm or two embedded in the clouds so don't be surprised by a crack of thunder tonight or tomorrow.  Short, heavy burst of rain and small hail could accompany these thunderstorms so visibility may be affected and hydroplaning could occur if driving too fast. Temperatures will continue to be around the 60 degree mark throughout the weekend for highs and mid-50s for lows. Again, the exception will be Newhalem where it will be about 5-7 degrees cooler

Rivers and Streams

We're going to see the river levels come up a little over the next 24-48 hours due to the precipitation.  There is no river flooding from this event but small streams could see banks breached during periods of heavy rain.  This would not last very long, but if you come across a situation where water is running over the road, do not attempt to drive through it as vehicles as large as SUVs can be moved by flowing water as little as 6-8 inches deep.  It's also possible to run across water pooling where drains or culverts are plugged by leaves or other debris.  We've all seen pictures of vehicles stalled in water so, if it's more than a few inches deep the best option is find an alternate route.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

A vigorous frontal system will bring gales to most waters today.  A trough will move through the saters over the weekend.  HIgh pressure offshore will produce light onshore flow Monday and Tuesday.  A weak front could reach the area on Wednesday. Winds.  Today:  SE wind 15-25 knots rising to 25-35 knots in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2-4' building to 4-6' in the afternoon.  Rain.   Tonight:  S wind 25-35 knots becoming SE 15-25 knots after midnight.  Wind waves 4-6' subsiding to 2-4' after midnight.  Rain. Tomorrow:  S wind 10-20 knots easing to 10 knots in the afternoon.  Wind waves 1-3' subsiding to 1' or less in the afternoon.  Showers in the morning.  A slight chance of thunderstorms.  Showers likely in the afternoon. Tomorrow Night:  SE wind 5-15 knots.  Wind waves 2' or less.  Sunday:  S wind 5-15 knots.  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.