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 NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST THIS MORNING for southeast winds 15 to 25 knots.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT: HEAVY RAINFALL WILL MAINTAIN AN INCREASED THREAT OF LANDSLIDES THROUGH TODAY.
SR 20 Both Directions. SR 20 eastbound & westbound is closed at Newhalem (MP 121) due to high avalanche danger. An estimated time for reopening has not been determined.

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 rain will be coming to an end this morning followed by cloudy skies and then clearing west to east; in other words we're going to see some sun today!  Highs will be around the 50 degree mark with winds from the northeast at 10 mph or less along the coast and from the east/southeast in the interior parts of the county. Newhalem will be about 10 degrees cooler than the coastal areas. Tonight will see patchy fog as the temperatures drop to or near the dew point. Low will generally be in the upper 30s with light winds.  Tomorrow will be a few degrees cooler than today and mostly cloudy.  The next chance of rain will be back on Sunday.

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

Rivers and streams are receding at this time and will continue to do so over the next couple of days.  With the exception of the Ferndale Gauge, readings on the other Nooksack gauges show the river well below and action level and continuing to drop.  We can expect the Ferndale Gauge to drop below any action level later this morning or early afternoon. 

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

A weak cold front will move through the area  this morning. Showers will become more scattered in the wake of  the cold front passing Thursday morning. High pressure will build  over the area on Friday through Sunday.    Winds.  Today:  E wind 15 to 25 kt becoming SE 10 to 20 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. A chance of rain in the morning. Tonight:  SE wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less.  Tomorrow: SE wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. 
Tomorrow Night:  SE wind to 10 kt in the evening becoming light. 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.