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.

SR 20 Both Directions. Single-lane closure via a temporary signal on SR 20 between MP 113.7 and 114.

Inland Weather

Compared to our previous six-weeks, this will be a very subdued week.  We'll still see showers around the area but there are no extremes in the forecast.  Temperatures will climb into the low to mid-40s for highs and drop into the upper 30s or low 40s for the lows.  Showers will be around through Thursday evening with steadier rain possible tomorrow and tomorrow night. The wind direction will depend on where you are located with some south/southeast winds in the Bellingham area and northeast wind in the Sumas area.  Mostly, it will be breeze that may approach 10 mph in places.

Rivers and Stream

You will likely see the Nooksack River just a little higher on Thursday and Friday as drainage from Wednesday's rains enter the system.  None of if will cause any widespread flooding; however, there are places around the county where low spots remain pretty full and this rain could cause some ponds or ditches to overflow a little. We saw that last week on E Bader Road and as late as Friday there still was some water that had pushed out on the east bound lane.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

A weak weather system will move inland later  today. A stronger weather system will reach the area later  Wednesday through Thursday morning. High pressure will build over  the region late in the week through the weekend. Winds.  Today:  SE wind to 10 kt becoming NW in the afternoon. Wind  waves 1 ft or less. A chance of showers.  Tonight:  SE wind to 10 kt rising to 5 to 15 kt after midnight.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. A chance of showers in the evening then  a slight chance of showers after midnight. Tomorrow: SE wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. A slight  chance of rain in the morning then a chance of rain in the afternoon.  Tomorrow Night:  SE wind 10 to 20 kt rising to 15 to 25 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. 

Note.  Watch for a Small Craft Advisory to be issued for the 15-25 knots winds tomorrow night.
 

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.