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 continues to make incremental changes as they lift restrictions as they relate to COVID border crossing restrictions.  See https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/gbi-rgf-eng.html for additional information.

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 AM PDT SATURDAY for southeast winds 15-25 knots in the Northern Inland Waters Including The San Juan Islands.
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

Rain, showers, and rain/snow mixtures will continue through the weekend. High temperatures today will be around 50 degrees or even a few degrees higher. Most areas will see winds 10 mph or less but Point  Roberts will see southerly winds gusting into the mid 20mph range.  Lows tonight will be in the l;ow to mid 40s. Tomorrow will be about 5-10 degrees cooler with wind in the 10-13 mph range from the southwest.  Point Roberts will see some higher gusts. Lows tomorrow night will drop into the mid-30s. Mount Baker Ski Resort is looking for some fairly heavy snow tomorrow and tomorrow night.  Make sure you are ready for winter travel if you're headed up there or anywhere in the higher elevations for that matter.  Also, it would be wise to check with WSDOT before going across the Cascades to make sure there are no restrictions or delays over the passes. 

Rivers and Streams

There are no real changes to the outlook on rivers and streams.  The rain over the next week will cause the Nooksack and creeks and streams to have higher levels than today, but there is no concern that this will lead to any flooding.  Still, if you are planning on being on or near the river, expect the level to be higher and that will increase the current. If you're hiking and streams are running quickly, make sure you are crossing in a safe area.  Depths can be deceiving and stepping on logs can be slippery. Hike with a partner for safety.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

Another front crosses the region today, with a return  to stronger onshore flow across the waters on Saturday behind the front. Another front will the reach the waters late Sunday and  into Monday.   Winds. Today:  SE wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. A slight  chance of showers in the morning then a chance of showers in the  afternoon.  Tonight: SE wind 10 to 20 kt rising to 15 to 25 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. A chance of showers in the  evening then showers after midnight. Tomorrow:   S wind 15 to 25 kt becoming W in the afternoon. Wind waves  2 to 4 ft. Showers.  Tomorrow Night: W wind 15 to 25 kt becoming SW 10 to 20 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. Sunday: S wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. Sunday Night: SE wind to 10 kt becoming 5 to 15 kt after midnight.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. 
NOTE:  Several period of 15-25 knots winds are forecast for the weekend; the current Small Craft Advisory may be extended or a new one issued so make sure you monitor marine weather for those notifications. 

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.