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 IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM SATURDAY TO 1 AM PST SUNDAY for Northern Inland Waters Including The San Juan Islands; southwest winds 15-25 knots are anticipated.  
WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON ABOVE 3000 FEET. Heavy snow is possible above 3000 feet. Total snow   accumulations of 8 to 21 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Impacted area: Cascade mountains of Whatcom and Skagit Counties,   including the Mount Baker Ski Area.
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

Expect a mostly cloudy day today with highs ranging from around 40 degrees in Newhalem to 48 degrees in Bellingham.  Winds will be light in the 5-10 mph range from the south. It is possible some showers will develop overnight but the likelihood of rain increases as we move into early Saturday.  Lows will be around 40 degrees in most locations; Newhalem will be in the low to mid-30s. Higher elevations will see snow.  The wind will also begin to pickup from a southerly direction with gusts that could reach into the mid-20s. Rain will continue for most areas into Monday; however, temperatures will be dropping a few degrees each day so a mixture of rain and snow is possible Sunday night and Monday.  Newhalem will see snow showers Sunday through Monday 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. High pressure will build  over Southern British Columbia Monday and Tuesday with lower  pressure over Oregon giving low level offshore flow.   Winds. Today:  SW wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. A slight  chance of rain in the morning. Tonight:   SW wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. A slight  chance of rain after midnight. Tomorrow:  SW wind 10 to 20 kt rising to 15 to 25 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. Rain.  Tomorrow Night:  SW wind 15 to 25 kt easing to 10 to 20 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft.  Sunday:  NW wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. Sunday Night:  NW wind 5 to 15 kt becoming N 10 to 20 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. 

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.