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 UNTIL NOON PST TODAY for northeast winds 15 to 25 kt for the East Entrance and northern Inland Waters.

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

We're going to start off on the cold side this morning but will see the temperatures rise throughout the day; the forecast is that we're boing to reach 40 degrees under sunny skies. Winds will be on the lighter side in most areas from a northerly direction but Sumas will see gusts up to 20 mph or so today.  Tonight's lows will drop into the 20s under mostly clear skies.  Tomorrow, we'll have sunny  skies as well and temperatures will reach into the mid-40s again with lighter winds in most locations.  Tomorrow night we can expect increasing clouds with lows in the 20s.  Can't rule out a little snow in Point Roberts but it shouldn't cause any problems. Then beginning Saturday and lasting into early next week we should see rain during the day with a chance or a little rain/snow mixture overnight when the temperatures drop.

Roads are a little slick this morning due to the light snow that fell overnight.

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 jump, the levels right now are low, so the levels will be higher but still well below any concerns.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

A weak weather system will bring light  precipitation to area waters this morning, along with a brief  period of breezy winds over the Northern Inland Waters and Strait.  A stronger system will move through this weekend, likely bringing  gale force winds to the coastal and northern interior waters,  with unsettled weather then expected to continue through at least early next week.  Winds. Today:   NE wind 15 to 25 kt easing to 10 to 20 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft subsiding to 1 to 3 ft in the  afternoon. Tonight:   E wind to 10 kt becoming SE 5 to 15 kt after midnight.  Wind waves 2 ft or less.  Tomorrow:  SE wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less.    Tomorrow Night:  E wind 10 to 20 kt rising to 15 to 25 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft building to 2 to 4 ft after midnight. Note:  Watch for a "Small Craft Advisory" to be issued for the 15-25 knot winds Friday night.

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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.