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.  Alos, SR-20 is closed for the season at MP 134/Ross Dam Trailhead on the west side of the Cascades and MP 178 Early Winters Campground on the east side of the Cascades.
Inland Weather

The weather has settled into a nice pattern for the next 4-5 days.  An absence of rain and temperatures that reach the mid-40s for highs and mid to upper 30s for lows coupled with winds that are generally in the 5-7 mph range is what we can expect.  Most days will be mostly to partly cloudy so expect some sun to shine through; there will be more sun around Newhalem where clouds will be more scarce. The only drawback is that there could be some periods of thick fog as the temperature drops to the dewpoint.  Use your vehicle's headlights and slow down when encounterying these areas.

Rivers and Stream

The runoff from the past few days of rain has peaked and is dwindling quickly.  Rivers and streams are reflecting that as the levels continue to drop.  There are not concerns for any flooding and the outlook for the next five days shows no rainfall that would caused a rise in those levels.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

High pressure will build over the region for the  end of the week and through the weekend for another period of  light winds. Fog development overnight later in the week could  lead to reductions in visibilities over area waters.   Winds.  Today:  SW wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. Tonight:  S wind to 10 kt becoming E after midnight. Wind waves 1 ft or less. Tomorrow: Light wind. Wind waves less than 1 ft. Patchy fog.  Tomorrow Night:  Light wind. Wind waves less than 1 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.