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

We'll begin the day with mostly cloudy skies and watch the cloud-cover thicken as the day goes on. There could be some showers around the area by 1:00pm this afternoon which will increase steadily and by 4:00 pm we will see rain.  this will continue overnight and then drop back to showers by tomorrow morning.  High temperatures today will reach into the upper 40s for most lowland locations but low to mid-40s in the foothills. Low temperatures tonight will drop into the low 40s.  Tomorrow will be about the same as today but the showers will disappear and we will see some patchy fog later in the day.  Low temperatures will be a few degrees cooler due to the clearing skies.  Tomorrow night will be foggy so practice extra care as visibility will be reduced.  As we move into Friday, the highs will be in the low to mid-40s with lows dropping to the mid-30s due to the clear skies.  Fog will continue to affect the area.  Winds over the next several days will be light (less than 14 mph with most locations seeing 5-10 mph) and multi-directional.  Overall, a pleasant break from the extremes just a few weeks ago.

Rivers and Stream

Nothing has really changed regarding the river and stream levels over the next several days. The rain later today and overnight will cause all forks of the Nooksack to rise slightly later tomorrow and Friday and then drop lower quickly.  There are no issues from river flooding.  There could be some isolated pockets of lower areas seeing water pooling and pushing out on the roads as the ground remains saturated.  Depressions and dips that normally absorb the water remain saturated so water can easily build up and then spread out.  Be vigilant.  Any amount of water on the road can affect your vehicle's handling.  If a road is closed, turn around and find an alternative route.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

A weak warm front will reach the area this evening  followed by a stronger cold front Thursday morning. High pressure  will build over the region for the end of the week and through the  weekend for another period of light winds.  Winds.  Today:  SE wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. A chance of  showers in the afternoon. Tonight:  E wind 5 to 15 kt becoming SE 10 to 20 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Rain likely in the evening then  rain after midnight.  Tomorrow: S wind 5 to 15 kt becoming SW 10 to 20 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Rain in the morning then a  chance of showers in the afternoon.   Tomorrow Night:  W wind 10 to 20 kt becoming 5 to 15 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 1 to 3 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.