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 2 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON for Southeast winds 25 to 35 knots.

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 4 AM PST TUESDAY for southeast winds 20 to 30 knots.

WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON for southeast winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts 45 to 50 mph expected.
FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING. Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. Heavy rain over the mountains tonight through Wednesday.

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.

It looks like we've ditched the cold weather but wet weather will stick with us for most of the week. Periods of rain will continue through Thursday with periods of heavy rain in the forecast. Temperatures today will be in the mid to upper 40s for most areas of the county except Newhalem where the high will be 39.  Winds from the south/southeast will be with us today and into tonight with gusts during the day getting in to the 40 mph range during the day before dropping off tonight. Interior parts of the county will see some wind but gusts are expected to be in the 20-30 mph range. Overnight lows will not drop much from today's highs and likely to stay in the 40s for most areas. Tomorrow will see more rain with the temperatures being a degree or two warmer than today.

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

Temperatures, snowpack, and rainfall will  impact the streams and rivers in Whatcom County as we get into late tomorrow and Wednesday. The Northwest River Forecast Center is showing that beginning tomorrow we're going to see the Nooksack rise to levels within a foot or so or minor flood level at the South Fork and Cedarville Gauges.  It looks like the river level at Ferndale Gauge will be high enough that Slater could once again be closed for a few days.  Additional pooling could cause the levels to push out onto roadways which could result in some road closures or detours.  Giving yourself extra time to get to/from work would be a very prudent thing to do over the next four or five dayss.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

A weak front will move through the area today. A system  will move across the area Tuesday and Wednesday, and pushing  north on Thursday, bringing another round of breezy winds to area  waters.  Winds.  Today:  SE wind 25 to 35 kt. Wind waves 4 to 6 ft. A chance of  rain.  Tonight:  SE wind 20 to 30 kt. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. A chance of  rain in the evening then rain after midnight.  Tomorrow: SE wind 20 to 30 kt easing to 15 to 25 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. Rain.   Tomorrow Night:  SE wind 15 to 25 kt. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. 
 

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.