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

It looks like we will see several days of partly to mostly sunny skies with clouds moving in on Saturday and rain could begin for some during the day while others will see rain beginning Saturday night.  Temperatures today will be in the mid-60s for most people with tomorrow bringing some mid-70s to the middle part of the county (Sumas and Maple Falls). Lows will drop into the low 50s.  Winds are not expected to be more than a breeze generally from the south.  Once the rain begins on Saturday or Saturday night, it looks like it will be with us through Monday and perhaps the chance for rain beyond that.  So, get out and enjoy the next two or three days.  And, we have now officially entered fall so we can expect weather systems to traverse our area more frequently.

Rivers and Streams

Rivers and streams are flowing nicely at this point; not too high or low.  The system moving through the area beginning Saturday and into next week will cause rivers and streams to rise, not to the levels from last Friday and Saturday's events, but you will be able to notice it and it will last a little longer than last weeks.  Ground will continue to absorb the moisture at this point, but eventually will not be able to accept it in the same quantity or as rapidly and we'll see more of it will drain into the streams and rivers.   

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

High pressure offshore with lower pressure inland will keep flow onshore today.  The flow will  turn briefly offshore tonight and Friday morning before turning back onshore Friday afternoon.  Onshore flow continuing Saturday.  A front will move through the waters Sunday with another front Monday.  Winds.  Today:  NW wind to 10 knots.  Wind waves 1' or less. Tonight:  NW wind 1o 10 knots.  Wind waves 1' or less. Tomorrow:   N wind to 10 knots becoming NW 5-15 knots in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2' or less. Tomorrow Night:  NW  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.