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

Sever Weather Damage 21-18 Emergency Proclamation by the Governor:  Covers the severe wind and rainstorm event that began on November 12, 2021.  https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/21-18%20-%20Severe%20Weather%20Damage%20%28tmp%29.pdf

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.

We can expect rain, rain/snow, and snow around the county over the next four or five days.  Low areas of the county should expect rain along with wind through late tomorrow afternoon.  Sumas could see a rain/snow mixture at times with some breezy conditions; Maple Falls will be in a similar situation although Maple Falls has a little better chance for some accumulation of snow or slush. Newhalem has a chance for heavy snow at times tomorrow and tomorrow night.  Temperatures will vary widely as well with lower areas of the county seeing highs in the 40s and lows in the mid 30s while areas like Newhalem will be in the low 30s for highs and mid to upper 20s for lows.  The winds will be moderately strong with gusts that could reach 50mph.  Travel in areas where there is a combination of snow and high winds is a recipe for snow drifts and difficult travel, at best.  Once we get to Sunday, there will still be plenty of moisture around the area and on and off again rain and rain/snow mixtures will be common.

Rivers and Streams

If you're around the Nooksack River Sunday, you're likely to see a bump in the river level.  The river level is staying below any action level, but you will definitely see it running higher.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

_{Winds will remain light through the afternoon  today as a weak ridge slides across the area. A frontal system  associated with a deepening surface low moving toward Haida Gwaii  will sweep across the area on Saturday with gales over portions of  the waters. A strong ridge building over the interior of British  Columbia will lead to offshore flow early next week.}  Winds.  Today:   _{E wind 10 to 20 kt becoming SE 5 to 15 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft}. Tonight:  _{SE wind 15 to 25 kt rising to 30 to 40 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft building to 5 to 7 ft after  midnight. A chance of rain in the evening then rain after  midnight}   Tomorrow:  _{SE wind 30 to 40 kt becoming SW 20 to 30 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 5 to 7 ft subsiding to 3 to 5 ft in the  afternoon. Rain.} Tomorrow Night:  _{W wind 15 to 25 kt becoming NW 5 to 15 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft subsiding to 2 ft or less after  midnight.}  

Emergency Management Tips and Reminders

Winter Travel

Winter travel can be extremely dangerous.  Cold temperatures, snow, ice are only a few of the hazards you can encounter when traveling in the the Winter.  Some of the things you should consider are as follows:

Have your car checked to make sure all parts are in good working order.  Tires should have good tread, all lights should be working, and windshield wipers should be changed if they do not provide a clean sweep of moisture on the windshield.

If there is snow on your vehicle, clean as much snow off your vehicle as possible.  Windows should be completely clean for maximum visibility.  Snow left on the hood of your vehicle can blow across your windshield and fog or cloud up inside due to the temperature change (another reason to clean all snow off your vehicle).  Headlights, brake lights, direction lights, etc. should all be clean again to make other drivers see you and know your intentions.

Make sure you have a Winter Safety Kit in you car that contains:  flashlight with extra batteries, cell phone and charger, extra blanket and clothes, high-energy food and water, games to keep children occupied, small shovel, sand or mat for traction if you encounter icy conditions, among other things deemed necessary.

If you are running your car to remain warm, remember to leave a window open to prevent a build-up of carbon monoxide.

Before leaving on a trip, call ahead and let someone know the time you are departing and your route of travel.  Likewise, upon arrival at your destination, let contact know you have arrived.

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.