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.

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM PST TUESDAY. Note.  While the Small Craft Advisory is in effect now, the prediction is for 30-40 knots winds which would push the limits into Gale Watch or Gale Warning (if actually experienced).  Monitor Marine Weather for new updates.
COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 2 PM PST MONDAY. Minor coastal flooding expected Western Whatcom County. Some spray or small amounts of water could reach roadways or parking lots along the immediate coastline. Be alert for the minor occurrences.
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON ABOVE 1500 FEET. Heavy snow continued above 1500 feet. Additional snow
accumulations of 6 to 12 inches.

Precipitation will be with us throughout the work week.  if will fall in the form of a snow/rain mixture part of the time but higher elevations as well as the northeast part of the county should be looking for more snow shower than rain.  As we get to Wednesday night, we are looking for some snow with accumulation ranging from 3-5 inches in the low land and foothills up to 7-11 inches in places like Newhalem.  There are no advisories yet from the National Weather Service for Wednesday night, but don't be surprised if and when they are issued.  Today, tonight and tomorrow, we will also wee some windy conditions around the county with the Sumas area putting up with the stronger winds which could get up to 45 mph our of the east/northeast.  With temperatures staying in the low 30s or upper 20s, wind chills will once again be driven down in the low single digits or teens.  Make sure you have your Winter Safety Kit in your vehicle.

The Northwest Avalanche Center has issued a High Avalanche rating.  Backcountry avalanche Danger Rating 4 (High): Very Dangers avalanche conditions.  Travel in avalanche terrain NOT recommended.

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

A cold front exiting area waters this morning. The  next system will move inland well south of the waters late  Tuesday. A warm front will arrive late Wednesday into Thursday. Winds.  Today:   S wind 15 to 25 kt rising to 20 to 30 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. Showers in the morning then  showers likely in the afternoon.  Tonight:  S wind 15 to 25 kt becoming SE 20 to 30 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. Showers likely in the evening  then showers after midnight.  Tomorrow:  SE wind 20 to 30 kt. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. Rain likely in  the morning then rain in the afternoon.  Tomorrow Night:  E wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. 

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.