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 high temperature in Bellingham today will be 40 dropping to 29 overnight. Tomorrow will e a few degrees cooler.  As far as precipitation is concerned, today will see some snowflakes mixed in with rain early.  The sun may break through the clouds from time to time but today but overnight we'll see another chance for rain/snow mixtures turning to all snow tomorrow but it will be light and there will be little accumulation. Winds will be from the north/northeast today and tonight and then switch to a more southerly direction tomorrow. Precipitation will continue through Friday night and it will come in the form of rain/snow mixtures from time to time.  Other areas of the county will see some wind as well.  Point Roberts will see a little bit more sun today and also some wind from the northwest with gusts near 20 mph. Temperatures in Sumas will be a few degrees cooler and the winds will be out of the northeast at 18-21 mph with gusts to 26 mph this evening.  There will be more snowflakes visible in Maple Falls but there won't be much accumulation, perhaps an inch on Wednesday. Temperatures in Newhalem will only get to the low 30s today and drop into the teens tonight. Snow accumulation in Newhalem could be one to two inches on Wednesday night, plus another half inch or so tomorrow and then again on Thursday. Temperatures will begin a rebound on Thursday rising five degrees or so each day. 

Rivers and Stream

We're not going to see any substantial chance in the river level over the next five days.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

Onshore flow will ease today and briefly turn  offshore tonight. A front will move through the area Wednesday  with high pressure building over the waters Thursday. A second  front will move through the area on Friday, followed by decreasing  onshore flow on Saturday.    Winds. Today:  NW wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. A slight  chance of rain in the morning. Tonight:  N wind 10 to 20 kt becoming E 15 to 25 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. Tomorrow:  SE wind 10 to 20 kt rising to 15 to 25 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. A slight chance of rain in the  morning then a chance of rain in the afternoon.    Tomorrow Night:  SE wind 15 to 25 kt. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft.   NOTE:  Monitor Marine Weather for Small Craft Advisories to be issued for periods when the winds are 15-25 knots. 

Tides
 

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.