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.

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

A chance for a shower before 11:00am this morning and then partly to mostly cloudy skies.  Temperatures will be in the mid-50s for most locations with lows tonight dropping into the mid-40s.  Point Roberts will see the best chance for some wind around 13 mph but that will increase overnight and tomorrow there could be gusts to 30 mph from the west.  Everyone else will see lighter winds.  Clouds will  increase overnight and we can expect rain again tomorrow with highs in the mid-50s.  Lows tomorrow night will be in the low to mid-40s.  Newhalem remains the colder area of the county with highs about 10 degrees lower than everyone else and that includes overnight lows.

Look for a little uptick in the Nooksack River level over the next couple of days before dropping back. This will not be anything excessive and may not even be noticed unless you have a sandbar that you watch which may be covered before the river level drops. Creeks and streams that don't have a large bank may spread out into the adjoining fields, but not by much.  The next weather system that may caused the river to rise a foot or two is about a week out as things appear now.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

A warm front is expected to gradually weaken today.  The next frontal boundary is on tap to enter early on Wednesday  followed by high pressure building in its wake on Thursday. This  well help to dampen seas a bit before conditions reamplify into  the weekend.    Winds. Today:  SE wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. A chance of  rain in the morning.  Tonight:  E wind to 10 kt becoming SE 5 to 15 kt after midnight.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. Tomorrow:   S wind 5 to 15 kt becoming SW 20 to 30 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 2 ft or less building to 3 to 5 ft in the  afternoon. Rain likely. Tomorrow Night: W wind 15 to 25 kt. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. 
 


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.