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 October 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.  

-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

Mostly cloudy skies will prevail today with a slight chance (30%) for some rain.  Winds will be light except in the Point Roberts area where southerly winds near 15 mph can be expected.  Highs will be in the 60s for most areas.  Overnight, we'll have partly cloudy skies with lows mostly in the 50s except for Newhalem were 40s should be expected.  Tomorrow will mostly sunny with temperatures pusing into the 70s and light winds once again.  Tomorrow night will see increasing clouds with lows again in the 50s.  On Wednesday, a chance for rain will once again develop. If it occurs, it should mostly occur during the daytime with the clouds beginning to break Wednesday evening.  Point Roberts will once again see winds, this time from the northwest around 15-20 mph.

Rivers and Streams

Rivers and Streams spiked on Saturday and early Sunday morning and have quickly dropped back to almost pre-storm levels. No storm systems are on the horizon so the rain we did get will have a chance to soak into the ground.  The takeaway from this storm is how quickly rivers and streams can rise which can dramatically affect your travel plans.  Look now for backup routes that avoid trouble areas which will occur again in the future.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

High pressure will move over the area through Tuesday.  A weak front will  break up over the coastal waters Wednesday.  High pressure will rebuild over the waters Thursday and Friday.  Winds.  Today:  S wind 5-15 knots.  Wind waves 2' or less.  A slight chance of rain in the afternoon.   wind 15-25 knots rising to 25-35 knots in the afternoon.  Tonight:  NE wind to 10 knots.  Wind waves 1' or less.  Tomorrow:  N wind up to 10 knots.  Wind waves 1' or less.  Tomorrow Night:  W wind to 10 knots becoming SW after midnight.  Wind waves 1' 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.