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 REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON for west winds 15-25 knots.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON ABOVE 1000 FEET. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 8 inches are expected along with winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

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

We'll see a little bit of a roller coaster this week as far as temperatures go.  Today will still see temperatures reaching 40 degrees in most places although NewHalem will stay in the 30.  Lows will be in the low to mid-30s tonight except for foothills and higher where the lows will be in the upper 20a.  Tomorrow's highs and lows will be a few degrees cooler.  By the time we get to Wednesday, temperatures will be about 10 degrees cooler than those of today and NewHalem will see lows in the mid to upper teens.  Then on Thursday we'll start to rebound a little bit as temperatures will be on the upward trend.  There's going to be some wind around the county for the next few days as well. Point Roberts will see more wind out of the west/northwest with gusts as high as 25 mph today and tomorrow switching to the east Tuesday night. Sumas will have southwest wind today and tomorrow in the 10-15 mph range shifting to the northeast on Tuesday night and increasing to 20-25 mph with gusts around 30mph. Maple Falls will see southwest winds today and tonight changing to the the north tomorrow.

Rivers and Stream

No issues for the Nooksack River from the next couple of weather systems. Some pooling could occur in low areas.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

Onshore flow will gradually ease today through  Tuesday morning then turn offshore Tuesday afternoon and Tuesday  night. A weak front will move through the area Wednesday with high  pressure building over the waters Thursday. Another front will arrive on Friday.   Winds. Today:  W wind 15 to 25 kt easing to 10 to 20 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. A chance of rain in the morning  then a slight chance of rain in the afternoon.  Tonight:  NW wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. A slight  chance of rain after midnight.    Tomorrow:  NW wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. A chance of  rain in the morning.   Tomorrow Night:  NE wind 15 to 25 kt. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. Watch for a "Small Craft Advisory" for this period. 
 

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.