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.

Small Craft Advisory will remain in effect until 11:0am this morning (Sep 27th) for south winds 15-25 knots.

**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.  

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- 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

Overall, this week will be characterized cloudy to mostly cloudy skies and wet.  Not all of the precipitation will be a steady rain; precipitation will be in the form of showers, steady rain and a few thunderstorms.  Rainfall amounts today will be anywhere from a tenth of an inch along the coastal areas to perhaps a quarter inch in the foothills but higher mounts could fall from the thunderstorms.  The thunderstorms are not going to be widespread, but if they form it will be this morning or after 4:00pm this afternoon and continuing into this evening.  Temperatures will be in the low to mid-60s  throughout the week with lows around the 50 degree mark.  Higher elevations will be in the 50s for highs and some upper 40s for lows.  Winds will be from a southerly direction with a slant towards the east or west depending on where you are in the county.  Some wind gusts could get up to 20 mph especially in the Point Roberts area.  Look for a pretty strong front to arrive on Wednesday and it will likely bring some wind with it.  No advisories, watches or warnings have been issued as of this posting.

Rivers and Streams

Currently, rivers and streams rose just a little bit from the rain over the weekend and remain at the same level today.  Beginning Wednesday, the rain along with the runoff into the streams and rivers to push the river level up again as a spike on Thursday and Friday.  It will not be enough to cause any issues associated with flooding, but the ground is beginning to shed just a little more of the rain falling on it. Small streams and places where culverts have obstructions could result in pooling so be prepared for that especially in lower areas.  Do not driver through water flowing over the road as it has six to eight inches or more has the ability to push a vehicle off the road.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

The next in a series of fronts will cross the waters today as a deep low pressure system advances across the northeastern Pacific toward Haida Gwaii.  Another strong front will sweep across the water late Wednesday into Thursday. Winds.  Today:  S wind 15-25 knots easing to 10-20 knots in the afternoon.  Wind waves 1-3'.  A chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Tonight:  S wind 5-15 knots.  Wind waves 2' or less.  A chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms.    Tomorrow:   S wind 5-15 knots.  Wind waves 2' or less.  Rain in the morning then showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon.  Tomorrow Night:  SW wind 5-15 knots becoming S 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.