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.

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.     

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST THIS MORNING for northwest winds 15-25 knots.

Inland Weather

Today could see a passing shower or drizzle before becoming partly cloudy in spots.  Expect temperatures in the mid-40s for most locations with Newhalem down around 40.  There could be a northwest breeze in the Point Roberts and along the northern border towards Sumas.  Below that line winds will be light and from the south/southwest.  Tonight temperatures will drop into the mid to upper 30s under mostly cloudy skies. Tomorrow there is a chance for rain with temperatures just a little cooler than today. Tomorrow will see some parts of the county still seeing showers while some will have partly cloudy skies with a shower moving through every once in awhile. Temperatures tomorrow night will be in the mid-30s. The chance for rain continues then through the weekend with Newhalem seeing a chance for mixed rain and snow showers.  With the rain and clouds, temperatures will stay very steady ranging from around 40 for the low to a high of 45 or so.  The winds will be in a range between 5-14 mph and variable in direction.

Rivers and Streams

We're gong to see a little "pop" in the river level from the rain but it really won't show up until Saturday/Sunday timeframe and it won't be more than a foot or two which will keep it well below any level for concern.  

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

High pressure will be offshore with lower pressure  inland for onshore flow through Friday. A frontal system will move  through the area over the weekend.  Winds. Today:  NW wind 15 to 25 kt easing to 10 to 20 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. Patchy fog in the morning. A  slight chance of showers in the morning.  Tonight:   SW wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. Tomorrow:  S wind 10 to 20 kt rising to 15 to 25 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. Patchy fog in the morning. A chance of  rain.  Tomorrow Night:  S wind 15 to 25 kt easing to 5 to 15 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft subsiding to 2 ft or less after  midnight. 

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.