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.

AIR STAGNATION ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PST Friday.  A period of stagnant air is expected, which could result in deteriorating air quality

causing poor air quality
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

Some patchy fog this morning will give way to mostly sunny skies with the exception of the northwest part of the county where some clouds will hand around.  High temperatures are forecast to reach the mid-40s or even a little higher.  Lows tonight will drop down to the freezing mark or slightly below.  Winds will continue to be light and variable today and continue that way into this evening.  Tomorrow will look much the same as today with temperatures a degree or two higher than today.  On Saturday we will see more clouds and by the end of the day a chance for showers develop.  Rain is predicted for Saturday night, Sunday, and Sunday night at this time.  Newhalem will be in the upper 30s for highs on Sunday and there could be some rain/snow mixtures around the area.

Rivers and Stream

Expect rivers and stream levels to remain right where they are, or even drop a little before they make a small increase due to the rain on Sunday.  No problems are anticipated from this small spike. On the other hand, there are places in the county where water is still pooled (e.g. low spots, depressions, etc.).  There may be a few spots where the water could drain into them once again and cause them to push out to the roadside or even slightly on the road.  

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

No significant weather systems are likely to reach  the area until late in the week with high pressure over the  region.    Winds. Today:  Light wind. Wind waves less than 1 ft. Areas of dense  fog in the morning then patchy fog in the afternoon. Tonight:  Light wind becoming N to 10 kt after midnight. Wind  waves less than 1 ft becoming 1 ft or less after midnight. Patchy  fog.  Tomorrow:  N wind to 10 kt in the morning becoming light. Wind waves  1 ft or less in the morning becoming less than 1 ft. Areas of fog  in the morning then patchy fog in the afternoon.  Tomorrow Night:  N wind to 10 kt. 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.