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 5 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

Today and a portion of tomorrow will be very nice weather-wise.  We should have partly sunny skies today with temperatures reaching into the low to mid-70s except along the coast where things will top out in the mid to upper 60s.  Overnight lows will be around 50s degrees under partly cloudy skies.  Tomorrow will start out partly sunny but clouds will begin to roll in at some point and by tomorrow night there will be a slight chance of rain. Temperatures will be just a few degrees cooler than today and the wind will remain in check with most locations around 10 mph or so.  Sunday will be a litter different with the front moving through.  Coastal areas will see some wind from the south/southeast with a few gusts.  Point Roberts will see the stronger gusts up to perhaps 25 mph.

In general, the rain will not be heavy but it could cause some pooling on the roads which will make things a little slick.  Use you headlights when traveling, make sure to use direction signals, and slow down to avoid hydroplaning.

Rivers and Streams

Currently, rivers and streams are running at normal levels.  With that said, several weather systems will push through the area beginning Sunday shedding enough rain to cause the rivers to rise a foot or two but that will still leave them well below the tops of the riverbanks.  The rivers will maintain that higher level for about five days or so before dropping back but again, no flooding is anticipated.  The ground will readily accept this moisture yet due to the previous dry conditions.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

Light offshore flow this morning will turn back onshore this afternoon.  Onshore flow will continue through Saturday.  A front will move through the waters Sunday with another font slated to move through Monday. Winds.  Today:  N wind to 10 knots becoming NW in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2' or less.  Patchy morning fog.  Tonight:  W wind to 10 knots becoming SE after midnight.  Wind waves 1' or less.  Tomorrow:   SW wind to 10 knots becoming S in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2' or less.  Tomorrow Night:  S wind 5-15 knots.  Wind waves 2' or less.  Sunday:  SE wind 15-25 knots.  Wind waves 2-4'.  Sunday Night:  SE wind 15-25 knots.  Wind waves 2-4'.  Note:  No advisories have been issued for the period of 15-25 knot winds, but the reality is, the NWS usually does issue a "Small Craft Advisory" under those conditions.  Monitor Marine Weather for any updates or announcements.

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.