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.   

Inland Weather

Today will  be cloudy with a chance of showers which will extend into the evening hours.  Highs will be in the mid-40s for most areas with southwest wind in the 5-10 mph range.  Point Roberts is likely to see some light northwest winds. Tonight's lows will drop into the mid-30s. Tomorrow will be partly to mostly cloudy along the coast and Newhalem, while other parts of the county along with the foothills will have cloudy skies and a chance for showers or rain. High temperatures again will be in the mid-40s. Winds will still be light from a south/southwest direction.  Rain is going to continue through the weekend and the temperatures will drop by a few degrees. Therefore, you are likely to see some rain/snow showers and if you're headed to the Newhalem area, a chance for some light snow.  You can also expect snow at the higher elevations.  The Mount Baker ski area is likely to see some good snow accumulations this weekend as well.

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 Sunday sometime 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

Onshore flow continuing into Saturday with high pressure centered  well offshore and lower pressure inland. A  frontal system moving  down from the northwest will move through the waters late  Saturday into Sunday.  Winds. Today:  S wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. A slight  chance of showers.   Tonight:   SW wind 10 to 20 kt becoming W 5 to 15 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Tomorrow:  W wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. A slight chance  of rain. Tomorrow Night:  SW wind to 10 kt rising to 5 to 15 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 ft or less. 

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.