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" remains in effect until 3:00pm this afternoon for southeast winds 25-35 knots for the Strait of Juan De Fuca Northern Inland waters including the San Juan Islands.

A "Small Craft Advisory" is in effect from 3:00pm this afternoon until 5:00am Wednesday morning for southeast winds 15-25 knots for the Strait of Juan De Fuca Northern Inland waters including the San Juan Islands.

A "Wind Advisory" is in effect from 9:00am this morning to 3:00pm this afternoon for for western Whatcom County; southeast winds 15-30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

Environment Canada has issued a Gale Warning for the Strait of Georgia-South of Nanaimo.  Wind light increasing to southeast 5-15 knots early this morning and to southeast 25-35 knots late this morning.  Wind diminishing to southwest 15-25 knots this afternoon then becoming southwest 15 knots early this evening.  Wind increasing to southeasterly 15-25 knots near midnight then diminishing to southeasterly 5-15 knots Wednesday morning.  Wind becoming light Wednesday evening.

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 across the county this morning and will continue through tomorrow night with periods or showers, then steady rain, then back to showers and perhaps even a thunderstorm tomorrow around the area after 11:00am tomorrow morning.  Highs will range between the low to mid-50s and almost 60 degrees.  There will be some winds along the coast today; hence the wind advisory, but it will stay along the coastal areas for the most part.  Lows tonight will be in the low to mid-40s.  Expect about the same for tomorrow. Rainfall will be around a fourth of an inch or less with the thunderstorms producing some locally higher amounts.  We will have a break between this weather system and the next one which will arrive on Friday.

Rivers and Streams

Things look good as far as river and stream levels.  The rain over the next couple of days will have very little impact on levels and the next weather system will cause the levels to come up a little bit, but still well below the tops of the banks.  

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

 A low pressure system and cold front will move through the coastal waters this morning and the inland waters midday.  A trough will move through the area on Wed.  A weak front will  reach the area late in the week.  Winds.  Today:  SE wind 15-25 knots rising to 25-35 knots in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2-4' building to 4-6' in the afternoon.  Rain in the morning then a chance of rain in the afternoon..  Tonight:  SW wind 15-25 knots becoming E to 10 knots after midnight.  Wind waves 2-4' subsiding to 1' or less after midnight.  A chance of rain in the evening then a slight chance of rain after midnight.  Tomorrow:   SE wind 10-20 knots becoming 5-15 knots in the afternoon.  Wind waves 1-3'.  Rain likely in the morning then showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Tomorrow Night:  SW wind to 10 knots becoming @Wafter 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.