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

We'll kick off this workweek with mostly cloudy skies and a high temperature near 50 degrees. Wind today will be light at around 10mph or so from a southerly direction. A chance for some rain will move in this evening though the chance is only 30-40%, so it's kind of iffy.  Low temperatures will drop into the mid 30s.  The wind will  begin to shift a little more to the east/ northeast overnight though it will still remain in the 10-13 mph range.  The chance for rain continues tomorrow with winds picking up from the north, especially in the Point Roberts and Sumas areas where gusts could reach 20-25 mph.  It's worth nothing the snow level will be dropping from 2900' to 2100' so some snow mixed with rain or even light snow could fall in the foothills and upper elevation.  Other areas will still see northeast winds, but they will lighter.  High temperatures tomorrow will still be in the in upper 40s except for places like Newhalm where it will be about 10 degrees cooler.  Tomorrow night will be partly cloudy and temperatures will drop into the mid 20s for lower areas and teens in the upper elevations.  Wednesday should be mostly clear but temperatures will be al ittle cooler.  the next weather system with rain will arrive in about a week.

Rivers and Streams

The Nooksack River level will remain right about where it is; the gauge at Ferndale shows a little bit of a downward trend yet.  The next weather system with an impact on the river level will arrive in about a week.  At this time, it's not projected to cause any concerns but we should expect the Nooksack River level to rise a little along with area creeks and streams.  You should probably expect areas where water is still standing to see more pooling in those areas.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

High pressure over the waters will weaken today and  tonight. The next system will move through the region Tuesday  into Tuesday night. High pressure will rebuild Wednesday and  remain over the waters into Friday. Winds. Today:  S wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. Tonight:   S wind 5 to 15 kt becoming W after midnight. Wind  waves 2 ft or less. A slight chance of rain after midnight. Tomorrow:  N wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. A chance of  rain.   Tomorrow Night:  N wind 15 to 25 kt. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. 

NOTE: Although a "Small Craft Advisory" has not yet been issued for the tomorrow night, the predicted wind velocity does reach advisory levels.  Watch for that to be issued in the near future.

Tide Information 

05

Emergency Management Tips and Reminders

Winter Travel

While we are starting to come out of winter, it's important to remember, the weather at lower elevations is not what you will experience at the 5000-6000' levels.  Temperatures difference of 10-15 degrees or more can result in heavy rain in the lowlands and heavy snow in the upper elevations or crossing the passes.  As we cross into April and May the chances for that continue to drop but a stray weather system can still result in hazardous driving conditions.  With that in mind continue to be diligent.  Things to be aware of:

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.