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

The Proclamation of Emergency for the November Flooding signed by the Whatcom County Exec remains in effect.  Also, individuals affected by the flood have until March 7, 2022 to register with FEMA.

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 6 PM PST THIS EVENING for west winds 15-25 knots.

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

We're going to see rain and or showers in the lower areas of the county until around 10:00am this morning but remain cloudy.  The foothills could see rain showers continue into the afternoon. Temperatures will reach into the upper 40s for most locations although Newhalem will stay in the upper 30s for the highs.  Winds will be from a southerly direction initially and then swing around to a more northerly direction.  There could be some gusts in the Point Roberts area reaching the upper teens and even 21 mph or so overnight.  It will be mostly cloudy overnight.  Lows tonight will  be in the mid 30s with the exception of Newhalem which will be near the freezing mar. Tomorrow, look for skies to be be mostly cloudy but there will be breaks where the sun shines though.  Newhalem is forecast to be mostly sunny. Temperatures will be almost a repeat of today for the highs and lows.

Rivers and Streams

Not much is going to occur with regards to rivers and streams.  There may be a little bit of a bump from the current rain, though hardly noticeable.  Later this week another weather system will pass through causing another bump in the river level.  It will be a little more than the current one but still remains small compared to previous weather systems.  No concerns from either system. 

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

A cold front will cross the region this morning. Onshore  flow will follow for the remainder of the week.  Winds. Today:  S wind 15 to 25 kt becoming W in the afternoon. Wind  waves 2 to 4 ft. Rain in the morning then a chance of rain in the  afternoon. 
Tonight:   W wind 5 to 15 kt becoming NW 10 to 20 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Tomorrow:  NW wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft.   Tomorrow Night:  NW wind 15 to 25 kt. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft.   

NOTE:  Forecast winds for tomorrow night cross "Small Craft Advisory" thresholds; watch for an advisory to be issued for that period.

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.