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.

GALE WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON for northeast winds 30 to 40 knots
Environment Canada has also issued a Gale Warning for the Strait of Georgia South of Nanaimo.  Winds notrheasterly 15-25 knots except northeasterly outflow 25-35 knots south of Tsawwassen.
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 4 AM PST WEDNESDAY for northeast winds 20 to 30 knots. 
WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON for northeast winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

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

Cold day today with northeast winds that could gust as high as 55 mph, especially in the Point Roberts and Sumas areas. Temperature will struggle to reach the freezing mark and tonight will drop down to single digits in the higher elevations such as Newhalem and the ski area.  Other areas will likely see upper teens and low 20s for lows. There will be still  be northeast winds sticking around through the evening and in Sumas and Point Roberts tomorrow thought not as strong. Temperatures tomorrow will be a few degrees warmer but that will only push it a few more degrees about freezing. Lows tomorrow night will again drop into the 20s.  As we move into Thursday and beyond we'll see temperatures warming up a little more-into the 40s.  If there's a bright spot in this it is that the sun will be shining most of the time.

Rivers and Streams

Rivers and streams will be flowing at current levels for the next five or six days.  Then it appears there is a system moving in that will cause a one to two foot rise above current levels.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

Strong offshore flow will continue today with  gusty Fraser River outflow winds. Winds will be generally lighter  Wednesday and Thursday with high pressure over the region. South  flow will increase over the weekend with the next incoming Pacific  frontal system. Winds. Today:  NE wind 30 to 40 kt easing to 25 to 35 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 5 to 7 ft. Tonight:   NE wind 20 to 30 kt. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft.  Tomorrow:  E wind 15 to 25 kt becoming S to 10 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2 to 4 ft subsiding to 1 ft or less in the afternoon.   Tomorrow Night:  S wind 5 to 15 kt becoming 10 to 20 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft.   

Tides
 

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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.