COVID-19 - The “Proclamation of Emergency” signed by the Whatcom County Executive concerning COVID-19 remains in effect. 

UPDATE:  

The United States has announced that fully vaccinated, non-citizen travelers with appropriate documentation will be permitted to enter the United States for non-essential travel via land Ports Of Entry and ferry terminals starting on November 8, 2021 and has released this fact sheet to assist those entering the United States. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2021/10/29/fact-sheet-guidance-travelers-enter-us-land-ports-entry-and-ferry-terminals.

Canada allows fully vaccinated Americans to visit Canada with these Canadian requirements:  https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/gbi-rgf-eng.html.

Rain continues today along with gusty south turning west winds which could gust up to 50 mph this afternoon.  Temperatures will be in the mid-50s for highs dropping to low 40s this evening with the passing of the front.  Expect temperatures to be even cooler tomorrow with highs in the mid to upper 40s.  Chance of some lingering precipitation will last into this evening and even tomorrow.  Wednesday will be drier but cooler.  The next weather system will arrive Thursday with some showery activity but nothing like we just experienced.  The precipitation has led to a number of landslides around the county, mostly in the foothill areas.

Rivers and Streams

All rivers and streams have been impacted by the weather event beginning Saturday and continuing now.  The Nooksack has exceeded levee tops at various locations along the entire length of the river and is flooding into the floodplains and beyond in some cases.  The south and north forks of the Nooksack River are cresting now and will slowly begin to recede.  Crests at Everson and further downstream in Ferndale are yet to occur.  Expect additional flooding below Cedarville.  Urban flooding is occurring as culverts and drains are unable to address the volume of water and will continue to pool.  The Whatcom County Public Works websites list a large number of road closures and closure locations; however, water continues to create flooding in additional locations.  Travel at this time is not recommended and few if any direct routes to/from destinations exist.  Sumas is currently inaccessible due to water over the roads.  SR-9 and SR-11 are also closed (see WSDOT website for locations) and SR-20 is also closed at several sites due to water over the highway.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

A very strong cold front will sweep across the  waters today followed by a strong westerly push. High pressure  will build over the waters Tuesday into Wednesday for lighter  winds and subsiding seas. Offshore flow develops midweek as  surface ridging settles over the interior of British Columbia.    Winds.  Today:   S wind 25 to 35 kt becoming W 30 to 40 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. Rain. .  Tonight:  SW wind 25 to 35 kt easing to 15 to 25 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. A chance of showers in the  evening then rain after midnight.   Tomorrow:    W wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. A chance of  showers in the morning then a slight chance of showers in the  afternoon. Tomorrow Night:  N wind 10 to 20 kt becoming E 5 to 15 kt after  midnight.   

Emergency Management Tips and Reminders

As we move deeper into the month of November, we're seeing more and more weather systems impacting our area with rain in the lowlands and snow in the upper elevations with accumulations that are moderate.  Snow and cold weather introduce a whole new realm of driving considerations versus summer months.  In order to help make the preparations a little easier, the following are some tips from the National Safety Council (https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/seasonal-safety/winter-safety/driving):

Prepare Your Car for Winter

In addition to annual maintenance, here are some tips to winterize your car:

• Test your battery; battery power drops as the temperature drops
• Make sure the cooling system is in good working order
• Have winter tires with a deeper, more flexible tread put on your car
• If using all-season tires, check the tread on your tires and replace if less than 2/32 of an inch
• Check the tire pressure; tire pressure drops as the temperature drops
• Check your wiper blades and replace if needed
• Add wiper fluid rated for -30 degrees
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze

Before You Start Out

• Clean your car’s external camera lenses and side view mirrors so you’ll be able to see what’s around you
• Remove dirt, ice and snow from sensors to allow the assistive-driving features like automatic emergency braking to work
• In frigid weather, you may want to warm up the car before you drive it
• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, never leave a vehicle running in your garage – even with the garage door up
• If the forecast looks iffy, wait out the storm if possible; if you must travel, share your travel plans and route with someone before you leave
• Remember to keep your car's emergency preparedness kit full stocked.

How to Avoid A Crash

• Avoid using cruise control in wintry conditions
• Steer in the direction of a skid, so when your wheels regain traction, you don’t have to overcorrect to stay in your lane
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly
• Increase following distance to 8 to 10 seconds
• If possible, don't stop when going uphill

Know Your Car's Capabilities

My car does what?  is a national campaign to help educate drivers about the safety features built into vehicles. Search for your car and find out what safety features are already built in.

Traction control is now standard on most new vehicles. This function helps your vehicle gain traction on snowy, icy or wet surfaces, particularly when accelerating from a stopped or slowed position, or when trying to make it up a slippery hill.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps you steer in emergencies by restoring traction to your tires and is standard on most new vehicles as well. ABS may vibrate or pulse when engaged. This is normal. Continue to press and hold pressure to the brake pedal.

Remember, you are your car's best safety feature. Take precautions to ensure you arrive safely at your destination. If you become stranded in an unfamiliar area, do not leave your car. Light flares in front and behind the car and make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow, mud or objects.

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.