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

Today will be mostly cloudy with highs in the mid 40s.  Lows tonight will be in the mid-30s under cloudy skies.  Newhalem will be around 10 degrees cooler today and tonight. Winds will be under 10 mph and variable. Precipitation in the form of rain or rain/snow mixtures will begin tonight.  Not everyone will see the rain/snow mixture and there are no accumulations expected.  The rain, or occasional rain/snow mixture will continue through the weekend and temperatures will be very close to mirroring what we have today.  While the precipitation will fall mostly in the form of rain in the lower areas of the county, if your plans take you to higher elevations above 2000' you should expect the precipitation will fall mostly in the form of snow.  Saturday night Mt Baker Ski area is forecast to receive 8-12 inches of snow with lesser amounts during the day and on Sunday. Travel could be hazardous in higher elevations and mountain passes may be closed for periods.  Check with WSDOT before traveling over the passes this weekend.

Rivers and Streams

Rain over the weekend and into next week will cause the rivers and streams to rise.  As of now, all forecasts show the river remaining below flood levels by a fair amount.  You should expect areas where water normally pools to once again fill and there's always a chance for some of those low areas to spill out onto roads. Wherever you see water currently standing in field, expect that boundary to become larger.  Should you encounter water flowing over the road, the same guidance applies as before, turn around and fine an alternate route.  The only thing you lose is 10-15 minutes of time. 

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

High pressure will remain over the area today then  weaken on Friday. A vigorous weather system will reach the area  over the weekend and another will move through the area Monday  and Tuesday.   Winds. Today:  S wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. 
Tonight:  S wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft.  Tomorrow:   SE wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft. A chance of  rain. Tomorrow Night:  SE wind 5 to 15 kt becoming E 15 to 25 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft building to 2 to 4 ft after  midnight. 

NOTE:  We're likely to see Small Craft Advisories for Friday night and Saturday due to winds in the 15-25 knots range so monitor marine weather for these announcements.

Tide Information 

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.