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 "Small Craft Advisory" advisory is in effect and will remain in effect until 11:00pm this evening for south winds 20-30 knots.  This includes the Northern Inland Waters and San Juan Islands.

Environment Canada currently has a "Gale Warning" still in effect for the Strait of Georgia-South of Nanaimo. Winds are from the southeast 25-35 knots diminishing to southeasterly 15-25 knots this morning then becoming southerly at 15 knots this evening.  Wind diminishing to light after midnight.  Winds light on Friday.

**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 will continue throughout the day and will be heavy at times along the foothills.  Sumas and Maple Falls could see up to an inch of rain with Newhalem seeing the potential for one to two inches of rain.  Temperatures will mainly be around 60 degrees with some areas seeing 64 degrees or so.  There will e some wind today but it will be from all directions.  Along the coast we can see some east/southeast winds with northwest winds in the Sumas area switching to the southeast later.  Point Roberts could see some winds tonight and tomorrow with gusts to 20 mph and everyone else in the 15 mph range or less.  This evening, temperatures will drop down to the 50s or even some 40s in the Newhalem area.  With the moisture and the low temperatures, expect fog tomorrow morning and it could be thick at times.  After the fog burns off, we will have mostly sunny skies.  Temperatures will again be in the low 60s.  Tomorrow night will see increasing clouds and they will carry over into Saturday.  There is a chance for rain again Saturday night and Sunday.

Rivers and Streams

The Nooksack River will rise a little from the rain that is falling.  It looks like the rain will be a little less than originally forecast so rivers and streams will top out a little lower than originally thought.  Nevertheless, there is a spike that will occur over the next 24-36 hours.  No flooding will occur on the rivers but small streams could exceed their banks due to some heavy downpours.  

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

A cold front will cross the area today.  A surface ridge will build across the area in the wake of the front tonight and persist through Saturday.  A weak front will move through the area Saturday night and Sunday.  Winds.  Today:  S wind 5-15 knots rising to 15-25 knots in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2' or less building to 2-4' in the afternoon.  Rain.  Tonight:  S wind 15-25 knots becoming SW 5-15 knots after midnight.  Wind waves 2-4' subsiding to 2' or less after midnight.  Rain in the evening then a chance of showers after midnight.  Tomorrow:   NW wind to 10 knots.  Wind waves 1' or less.  Tomorrow Night:  NW wind to 10 knots in the evening becoming light.  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.