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.

GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON. Northwest winds 25 to 35 knots. 
COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO NOON PST TODAY. Minor coastal flooding expected. Minor flooding, one to two feet above ground level, is possible around high tide. This may lead to flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected.
WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PST THIS EVENING. South winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph becoming west this morning.
IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.   Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON ABOVE 1500 FEET. Heavy snow continued above 1500 feet. Additional snowaccumulations of up to 12 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. Cascade mountains and valleys of Whatcom and Skagit Counties, including the Mount Baker Ski Area. 

Environment Canada has issues a Gale Warning for the Strait of Georgia-South of Nanaimo. Winds southeast 15 to 25 knots increasing to northwest 25 to 35 knots early this morning and to northwest 35 to 40 knots late this morning. Wind diminishing to northwest 20 knots early this afternoon and to northwest 10 to 15 knots early this evening. Wind diminishing to light late this evening then increasing to southeast 10 to 15 knots overnight. Wind increasing to southeast 15 to 20 knots near noon Saturday.
Environment Canada has issued a Wind Warning for Surrey, Langley, and New Westminster areas.
THE NORTHWEST AVALANCHE CENTER IN SEATTLE HAS ISSUED AN AVALANCHE WARNING. VERY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS WILL DEVELOP ACROSS THE WASHINGTON CASCADES, OLYMPICS AND MT. HOOD. HIGH DANGER FOR THE OLYMPIC MOUNTAINS, WEST SLOPES OF THE CASCADES FROM HIGHWAY 20 TO THE COLUMBIA RIVER INCLUDING   SNOQUALMIE, STEVENS,AND WHITE PASSES, EAST SLOPES OF THE CASCADES   FROM THE CANADIAN BORDER TO THE COLUMBIA RIVER, AND MT. HOOD.
TREE WELL ADVISORY FOR ANYONE TRAVELING INTO THE CASCADES. Tree wells are deep which can prevent someone from escaping and result in suffocation. Always travel in pairs and keep a wide distance from trees.

The one thing that is certain for today and tonight is that there will be precipitation and there will be wind.  Precipitation will range from rain in the lower areas with a possible mix of snow tonight, to rain/snow mainly in the foothills and all  snow above 1500'.  So be prepared for all types of driving conditions. Temperatures today will range from mid-40s in Bellingham and coastal areas to the mid to upper 30s in the toothills and Newhalem. Tonight, the temperatures will drop into the 20 and 30s with rain or rain/snow continuing. Winds are going to swing around to the west a little later for the coastal areas but remain out of the south/southwest for places like Sumas and Newhalem. Tomorrow will see the precipitation continue but it will be lighter.  Highs tomorrow will again range from around 32 in Newhalem to the lower 40s for Bellingham.  If you are traveling, you will likely not be able to get to the east side of the Cascades due to passes being closed.  Heavy snow and threat of avalanches has pretty much shut everything down. Check with WSDOT before leaving home.  For example, SR-20 at MP 120 is closed due to an avalanche; crews will attempt to get there this morning to evaluate the situation.

The increased rain on top of snow will add to soil instability due to continued saturation; so, the chances for landslides is also increasing.  When traveling through areas known for landslides, stay vigilant.

Rivers and Stream

The South and Middle Forks of the Nooksack River are peaking now at levels well below any flood concerns.  The Nooksack will crest at Ferndale in the next 12-18 hours, again well-below any flood concerns.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

A strong frontal system will traverse area waters this morning,  with a substantial westerly push of wind in its wake. Widespread  gales expected with winds subsiding this evening. Another weak  front is expected on Saturday. High pressure will strengthen  east of the Cascades on Sunday turning the flow  offshore.   Winds.  Today:  NW wind 25 to 35 kt. Wind waves 4 to 6 ft. A chance of  rain in the morning. Tonight:  W wind 20 to 30 kt becoming N to 10 kt after midnight.  Wind waves 3 to 5 ft subsiding to 1 ft or less after midnight. A  slight chance of rain in the evening. A chance of rain after  midnight.  Tomorrow: SE wind 5 to 15 kt becoming 10 to 20 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. A chance of rain in the morning then rain  likely in the afternoon.  Tomorrow Night:  SE wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Sunday:  E wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. Sunday Night: E wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 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.