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 1 October 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.

- 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.  POSTPONED UNTIL 2022

Inland Weather

Expect a chance of rain prior to 10:00am most locations in Whatcom County; Newhalem can expect the chance for rain until about 1:00pm this afternoon.  Skies will begin to clear after that and sunshine should be poking through thereafter.  Point Roberts will see the most wind due to its location with northwest winds in the 10-15 mph range.  For the rest of the county, winds should be 10 mph or less.  Highs today will only be in the 60s with 50s in the Newhalem area.  Tonight's lows will see upper 40s in the Newhalem area and 50s for the rest of the county.  Tomorrow, we should see more sun and highs a few degrees warmer.  Lows will be about the same tomorrow night.  Friday will see temperatures in the 70s and mostly sunny once again.  A chance for rain will spread from the north beginning Saturday.  It won't be a big rain event, but it will continue to recharge the soils.

Rivers and Streams

Rivers and streams have for the most part returned to their normal levels after the Friday and Saturday rains.  The rain this Saturday may cause them to rise just a little over the current level, but it will likely go unnoticed.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

A weak front will break up over the coastal waters today.  High pressure will be offshore with lower pressure inland Thursday through Saturday.  A second weak front will reach the area this weekend before a more substantial front approaches early next week.  Winds.  Today:  W wind 5-15 knots becoming S in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2' or less.  A chance of rain in the morning then a slight chance of rain in the afternoon.  Tonight:  W wind to 10 knots.  Wind waves 1' or less.  Tomorrow:   NW wind to 10 knots.  Wind waves 1' or less.  Patchy dense fog in the morning.  Tomorrow Night:  NW  wind to 10 knots becoming N 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.