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 5 AM PDT TUESDAY for southeast winds 20 to 30 knots. WHERE: East Entrance U. S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca, Northern Inland Waters Including The San Juan Islands and Admiralty Inlet.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM PDT WEDNESDAY ABOVE 4000 FEET; total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 feet. WHERE: Cascade mountains of Whatcom and Skagit Counties,   including the Mount Baker Ski Area 

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

Beginning with the obvious, we're going to be wet for the entire work week.  It will not be stead rain, but at the very least showers throughout the period.  Temperatures on the other hand will not be extreme.  We can expect high temperatures in the upper 40s or even 50 or 51 degrees  along the coast.  There will also be some gusty winds from the south/southeast changing to the southwest tonight. Gusts could range from 25-30 mph or even a little higher. Those gusty winds will especially stick around in the Point Roberts area tonight. Sumas will see winds from the north/northeast bu they will not be quite as strong. Higher elevation will escape the wind but the temperatures will be about 10 degrees cooler for highs and the lows will be in the mid-30s.  If you're headed to the ski area, you will encounter some pretty good snow as the Winter Weather Advisory shows. You will likely run into snow below the 4000 foot level so driving may become difficult prior to the 4000 foot elevation.  Be prepared for winter driving conditions.

Rivers and Streams

Expect the Nooksack River level to rise over the next few days due to the rain. There will not be any flooding per current forecasts but we should expect drainage to fill the low spots and depressions and there could be puddling on roads making hydroplaning a possibility.  Give yourself extra time if you're traveling. 

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

A frontal system over the area today will move  inland Tuesday. Additional fronts will arrive Thursday and late  Friday.  Winds. Today:  SE wind 20 to 30 kt easing to 15 to 25 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. Rain. Tonight: SE wind 15 to 25 kt. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. Rain. Tomorrow:   SW wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Rain in the  morning then showers and a slight chance of tstms in the  afternoon.  Tomorrow Night:  SW wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. 
   

NOTE:  We're likely to see Small Craft Advisories issued several times over the next three days due to winds in the 15-25 knots range so monitor marine weather for these announcements and advisories.

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.