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

Temperatures will likely hit the mid-30s today before dropping tonight into the 20s for most areas although Newhalem will see teens for lows tonight.  We'll also see clouds increasing as the day goes on and overnight we could see a little light snow in the one-half to one inch range. Then tomorrow and Thursday we will see sunny skies with temperatures warming up a little each day.  Bellingham should hit 40 tomorrow and around 45 degrees on Friday.  Sumas should get close to the same.  Winds will not be a factor over the next couple of days as they will remain under 10 mph and variable.

Rivers and Streams

Rivers and streams will be flowing at current levels through Saturday and then we will see the levels come up a few feet (more in the Ferndale area).  While that may sound like quite a bit, the levels right now are low, so the rivers will see the levels higher but still well below any concerns.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

Offshore flow will continue to weaken. Northerly  winds will increase slightly over the coastal waters Thursday.  A frontal system approaches late Friday.  Winds. Today:  E wind 5 to 15 kt becoming S in the afternoon. Wind  waves 2 ft or less. Tonight:   SW wind 5 to 15 kt becoming S 10 to 20 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. A chance of rain after midnight. Tomorrow:  SE wind 5 to 15 kt becoming NW in the afternoon. Wind  waves 2 ft or less.    Tomorrow Night:  SW wind to 10 kt becoming SE after midnight. Wind  waves 1 ft or less. 

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.