Active Incidents
On August 18th, Governor Inslee ordered a statewide mask mandate. Please see the Governor's website at the following URL: https://www.governor.wa.gov/
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.
Advisories, Watches and Warning
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST SATURDAY for south winds 20-30 knots.
Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 1:00pm this afternoon to 10:00pm this evening above 3500 feet. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches in the North Cascades expected.
SR 20 Both Directions. Single-lane closure via a temporary signal on SR 20 between MP 113.7 and 114. Also, 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 rain should come to an end sometime this evening with cloudy skies continuing overnight. The temperatures will remain in the mid 40s for highs today and around 40 for tonight. We'll also see south/southeast winds gusting up to 30 mph or a little stronger today.. Tomorrows temperatures will be about the same but cooler tomorrow night as the cloud cover will be less, lows could bein the low to mid-30s. Sunday will be a little warmer and again, partly cloudy. Sumas weather will be about the same except the wind gusts will be a little stronger (36mph) and the rain may linger into tomorrow morning. Lows on Saturday night could get near the freezing mark. Newhalem may still see some rain/snow mixtures today with highs only reaching 37 and the low tonight down to 34 degrees.
The extended forecast calls for more precipitation beginning Monday and temperatures slightly cooler.
Rivers and Stream
The recent rain will cause the Nooksack River to rise about a foot or a little more which will have no impacts other than a faster flow. And looking out for the next 7-10 days, nothing on the horizon shows any reason for concern at this time.
Whatcom County Coastal Weather
South flow increasing today with a weather system. Strong onshore flow will follow tonight. Offshore flow will prevail over the weekend with seas 10 to 12 feet on Saturday. A week front will reach the region on Monday. Winds. Today: SE wind 15 to 25 kt becoming S 20 to 30 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. A chance of rain in the morning then rain in the afternoon. Tonight: SW wind 15 to 25 kt. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. A chance of rain. Tomorrow: W wind 5 to 15 kt becoming SW in the afternoon. Wind waves 2 ft or less. Tomorrow Night: NE wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. Sunday: Light wind. Wind waves less than 1 ft. Sunday Night: Light wind becoming SE to 10 kt after midnight. Wind waves less than 1 ft becoming 1 ft or less after midnight.
Tides
|
|
|
|
|---|
| DATE | TIME | HIGH TIDE | LOW TIDE |
| February 04, 2022 | 0052 |
| -0.26 |
| February 04, 2022 | 0809 | 10.20 |
|
| February 04, 2022 | 1417 |
| 4.45 |
| February 04, 2022 | 1912 | 7.17 |
|
| February 05, 2022 | 0130 |
| 1.09 |
| February 05, 2022 | 0836 | 9.93 |
|
| February 05, 2022 | 1506 |
| 3.54 |
| February 05, 2022 | 2024 | 6.62 |
|
| February 06, 2022 | 0208 |
| 2.58 |
| February 06, 2022 | 0900 | 9.58 |
|
| February 06, 2022 | 1555 |
| 2.69 |
| February 06, 2022 | 2148 | 6.27 |
|
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.