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" continues in effect until noon today for southerly winds 15-25 knots for the Strait of Juan De Fuca Northern Inland waters including the San Juan Islands.

Environment Canada has issued a "Waterspout Watch" for the Strait of Georgi-South of Nanaimo.

Inland Weather

Showers and some rain will be around yet this morning, especially in the foothills; and still other areas will see the sun peek out from the clouds off and on like here in Bellingham this morning.  We could have a few thunderstorms around the area this afternoon and again early evening with some showers persisting into the early morning hours of tomorrow.  Temperatures will continue to reach into the 50s for the highs with Bellingham and coastal areas in the mid to upper 50s while places like Sumas and Maple Falls will be on the lower end of the 50 degree temperatures.  Lows will drop into the low to mid 40s.  Newhalem is the outlier with highs only in the 40s and lows dropping down into the mid to upper 30s for tonight and tomorrow night.  While skies will be partly to mostly cloudy tomorrow, we can expect spot showers in Point Roberts Thursday night with the chance of spreading across the county occurring slowly on Friday and then staying with us through the weekend.  Wind will exist but only Point Roberts will see some southerly gusts up to 22mph or so today.  The rest of us should see variable winds not greater than 15 mph.  Things quiet down for this evening and tomorrow.

Rivers and Streams

Current river levels will remain right about where they are until we get to Sunday and into Monday when we'll see them rise just a little bit due to the rainfall from Friday night on; the Nooksack at Ferndale may see a little larger rise as it sits towards the end of the drainage tail.  Again, no flooding concerns, but if you are going to be on or near the river, expect it to rise.  So plan accordingly.  Small streams on the other hand do not have levees or banks built up in the same manner as the Nooksack, so there's always the potential for a small stream to exceed its bank or for pooling to occur due to plugged culverts or other causes.  If you encounter water flowing over any road, turn around and find an alternative route.  The key is to see you arrive at your destination safely even if you are a few minutes late.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

 A trough will move ashore this morning and dissipate this afternoon and evening.  A weak front will approach the coast on Friday.   Winds.  Today:  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 likely in the morning then a chance of rain in the afternoon.  Tonight:  SW wind to 10 knots.  Wind waves 1' or less.  A chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms in the evening then a slight chance of rain after midnight.  Tomorrow:   Light wind.  Wind waves less than 1'.  Tomorrow Night:  Light wind.  Wind waves less than 1'.

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.