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

Wet weather will continue today, tonight and tomorrow and gradually taper off tomorrow night.  Temperatures will begin to increase just a little getting us back to the upper 40s.  Today, we'll still be stuck in the mid 40s for the high with a low tonight around 40.  Tonight, Point Roberts will see some southerly winds with gusts to 20 mph or a little stronger.  Tomorrow, we can expect south/southwest winds that will gust to near 30mph in places such as Sumas and Newhalem; the rest of us will see wind, but it will be around 20mph gusts.  Saturday will be dry with partly sunny skies around the county with temperatures again in the mid to upper 40s.

Rivers and Stream

The river level will rise a little from the rain we're getting but remain well below any flood concerns.  Watch for pooling in lower areas where water is still currently setting.  There could be enough drainage into the low areas to fill ditches and push out on some roads.  Beware of those locations.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

Winds over the waters will be generally light  today. South flow will increase on Friday with the next frontal  system. Strong onshore flow will follow Friday night. Offshore  flow will prevail over the weekend with seas 10 to 13 feet on  Saturday.  Winds. Today:  S wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. Rain likely  in the morning then a chance of rain in the afternoon. Tonight:  S wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. A chance  of rain. Tomorrow:  SE wind 10 to 20 kt becoming S 15 to 25 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. Rain.  Tomorrow Night:  SW wind 10 to 20 kt becoming W 15 to 25 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft.

NOTE:  For tomorrow and tomorrow night, watch for a "Small Craft Advisory" to be issued for the 15-25 knots winds sometime later today.
 

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.