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

Expect sunny skies today county-wide with temperatures reaching into the 70s for almost the entire county.  There could be some pockets of upper 60s but still pleasant for everyone. Winds will be light and variable in the 5-10 mph range. Tonight there will be increasing clouds with lows dropping into the low 50s and a few upper 40 readings in the Newhalem area.  There is a slight chance of rain overnight with increasing chances for tomorrow.  This will not be a heavy rain and the duration is just for tomorrow with the clouds breaking later in the day.  Temperatures will top out in the low to mid-60s and lows will be in the low 50s.  For Thursday, we'll be back to  mostly sunny skies and temperatures will  begin to rebound a little.  No significant weather is forecast for the next week or so.

Rivers and Streams

Rivers and streams continue to recede with the South Fork of the Nooksack level once again and the Nooksack readings at Ferndale poised to show level readings in the next 12-18 hours.  Once leveled off, the river should remain that way for the next week at least; in other words, there's no storms on the horizon that would drive the levels up.  

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

High pressure will be over the area today.  A weak front will break up over the coastal waters Wednesday.  High pressure will be offshore with lower pressure inland Thursday through Saturday.  Winds.  Today:  N wind to 10 knots.  Wind waves 1' or less.  Tonight:  W wind to 10 knots becoming S after midnight.  Wind waves 2' or less,.  A slight chance of rain after midnight.  Tomorrow:   SW wind 5-10 knots becoming W after midnight.  Wind waves 2' or less.   A chance of rain.  Tomorrow Night:  S wind to 10 knots becoming W 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.