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.

A "Gale Warning" is in effect until 5:00am Thursday morning for southeast winds 25-35 knots for the northern inland waters including the San Juan Islands.

A "Wind Advisory" is now in effect from 11:00am this morning to 6:00am Thursday for southeast winds 30-40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.

Environment Canada has issued a "Gale Warning" for today, tonight, and tomorrow for the Strait of Georgia-South of Nanaimo.  Winds southeast winds 15-25 knots except for southeast winds of 35 knots south of Tsawwassen late this afternoon and this evening . Wind becoming southeast 25-35 knots near midnight then diminishing to southerly 15-20 knots Thursday morning.

**The Whatcom County Fire Marshal has lifted the burn ban for outdoor burning.  The ban was lifted at 8:00am on Monday, September 20th, 2021 for unincorporated areas of Whatcom County.

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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Inland Weather

Rain is falling and will continue to do so through tomorrow and possibly into tomorrow night although the chances drop off significantly as the night goes on.  Rain will be heaviest in the Newhalem area where one to two inches could fall tonight and tomorrow.  Maple Falls could see three-fourths to one inch tonight and tomorrow.  The rest of us may see up to one-half inch both tonight and tomorrow. Temperatures will continue to creep into the low to mid 60s with lows coming in the mid-50s for the lowlands tonight and then upper 40s tomorrow night.  Higher elevations can expect 5-10 degrees cooler. Wind will develop today from the south/southeast and the wind advisory is in effect.  While the forecast has winds staying below 30mph in most locations, Point Roberts will see some 30-35 mph winds with higher gusts.  All of us should be prepared for some sporadic power outages once again if we see 50 mph gusts.  The trees still have most of their leaves on which is what caused problems a couple of weeks ago.

Rivers and Streams

Rivers and streams are going to rise with the falling rain.  We could see the Southfork of the Nooksack just over the 6' level at Saxon Bridge and slightly above 13' at Ferndale.  These predicted levels are below flood stage so as long as that remains true, we should see no problems.  However, we are dealing with weather, so always keep one ear listening for changes that may occur as the storm passes through. It could dump more or less rain than predicted which will have an effect on river and stream levels.  Small streams behave differently due to the culverts and snags or fallen trees that can obstruct water flow.  So, be alert for conditions such as water standing on the road or flowing over the road.  Best advice is turn around and find an alternate route. Risking traveling through water flowing over the road could result in your car pushed off the road and into deeper water. 

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

A warm front will lift northward across the coastal waters early this morning followed by a cold front late tonight.  A surface ridge will rebuild across the area in the wake of the front Thursday night and persist into the weekend.  Winds.  Today:  SE wind 25-35 knots.  Wind waves 4-6'.  Rain in the morning then rain likely in the afternoon.  Tonight:  SE wind 25-35 knots.  Wind waves 4-6'.  A chance of rain in the evening then rain after midnight.  Tomorrow:   S wind 15-25 knots easing to 5-15 knots in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2-4' subsiding to 2' or less in the afternoon.  Rain.  Tomorrow Night:  S wind 5-15 knots becoming @ to 10 knots after midnight.  Wind waves 2' or less.   wind 25-35 knots.  Wind waves 4-6'. 

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.