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 IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM SATURDAY TO 4 AM PST SUNDAY for southeast winds 25-35 knots.

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

Sunny day today with highs in the mid-40s most locations (Newhalem will see mid-30s). Winds today will be light, under 10 mph.  Lows tonight will drop into the low 30s or upper 20s and clouds will increase.  Winds will pick up a little in Point Roberts with some northeast winds gusting to 21 mph.  Look for rain developing tomorrow and winds picking up from the south/southeast in most locations with gusts as high as 37 mph in Maple Falls area.  Sumas will see winds from the east/northeast with gusts near 30 mph.. Highs tomorrow will be a little be a few degrees warmer.  The forecast does call for the snow level to be down around 1400 feet early Saturday morning rising to 2400 feet in the afternoon.  Breezy conditions and rain will carryover into the evening. Rain continues Sunday with high temperatures reaching the upper 40s.  Lows will drop down to around 40 degrees. Rain will continue into early next week.

Rivers and Streams

All forks of the Nooksack will experience a rise in river level due to the rain but all locations are forecast to be well below any flood level concerns.  

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

Light offshore flow today as high pressure remains  inland with lower pressure over the Pacific. Next weather system  will move through Saturday and Saturday night, bringing gale  force winds to the coastal and northern interior waters. Next  system arriving Monday.   Winds. Today:  E wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. Tonight:   E wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less.  Tomorrow:  SE wind 25 to 35 kt. Wind waves 4 to 6 ft. A slight chance  of rain in the morning then a chance of rain in the afternoon.     Tomorrow Night:  SE wind 25 to 35 kt. Wind waves 4 to 6 ft.   Sunday:    S wind 20 to 30 kt easing to 15 to 25 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 3 to 5 ft.   Sunday Night:  SE wind 10 to 20 kt rising to 20 to 30 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft building to 3 to 5 ft after  midnight. 

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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.