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 REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON for southeast winds 15-25 knots.
FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON due to excessive rainfall.  Monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON (28 FEB) ABOVE 3500 FEET. Snow continued above 3500 feet. Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches is predicted.
The Northwest Avalanche Center in Seattle has issued an Avalanche Warning due to heavy rain and snow along with warming temperatures and strong winds which will create very dangerous avalanche conditions. High danger exists for the West slopes of the Washington Cascades from the Canadian Border to the Columbia River

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

Wet weather will be with us through Wednesday night. Newhalem could see between 2-4 inches total during the next 48-72 hours with the rest of the county seeing lesser amounts. Temperatures will range between the low to mid-50s in the coastal area and lowlands dropping into the mid-40s in the central and foot hill areas of the county.  There is also some wind associated with this weather system. Gusts could reach into the mid 20mph range along the coast from the south/southeast while the Sumas an Maple Falls area will see winds from the east/northeast gusting into the low to mid-20mph range or even a little higher.  Lows tonight will only drop a few degrees and the winds will die off substantially. Tomorrow, a rain will continue though it should be lighter than Monday. Temperatures will climb a few degrees higher than today as well. Winds will be on the lighter side 10-15 mph from the south/southeast.

Rivers and Streams

Forecast river levels have jumped around a little from this weather system. Initially, a fairly strong atmospheric river was set up to impact our area but that has been scaled back and the system is now farther to the south.  We are still in a flood watch but all forecast gauges are showing us below the action level. There still could be a few pockets of water making its way over the road in low areas so watch for those.  

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

A vigorous frontal system will be draped over  Western Washington today for rain and gusty winds. Low pressure  just offshore Tuesday and Wednesday will weaken and move ashore  Thursday.    Winds. Today:  SE wind 15 to 25 kt. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. Rain likely  in the morning then rain in the afternoon. Tonight:   E wind 5 to 15 kt becoming SE to 10 kt after midnight.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. Rain likely in the evening then a chance  of rain after midnight.  Tomorrow:  SE wind to 10 kt becoming 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. Rain likely.    Tomorrow Night:  SE wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less.  

Tide Information 

05

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.