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

Fog, sometimes thick, will gradually dissipate over the day for most of the southern part of the county.  Visibility will be impacted.  Once the fog burns off, mostly cloudy skies will remain with highs ranging from 47 in Newhalem to 55 degrees in Bellingham.  Wind will be strongest in Point Robert with 9-14 mph northerly winds.  Other locations will see wind in the 5-10 mph range and variable in direction.  Tonight's lows will be around 40 degrees under mostly cloudy skies along with light winds.  Tomorrow will be mostly cloudy for most of the county but Point Roberts should expect rain.  Highs will be in the low 50s for most areas with lows dropping down to the low 40s. The chance for rain will extend across the county beginning tomorrow night and will remain with us into the beginning of next week. Temperatures will continue to see highs in the mid-50s and lows in the low to middle 40s. 

Rivers and Streams

Nothing significant to report concerning the Nooksack River or the streams in Whatcom County.  The rain over the next five days will cause the river to rise a little, but nothing that would cause any concern.  Remember, you can always go to the Public Works website and check the river levels - https://www.whatcomcounty.us/666/Forecasts-Current-River-Conditions.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

Light offshore flow will prevail today with high  pressure east of the Cascades. A weakening front will reach the  area on Friday and fall apart on Saturday. A warm front will  shift north through the area Saturday night with a trailing cold  front on Monday.   Winds. Today:  SE wind to 10 kt becoming N 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. Patchy fog in the morning.  Tonight: NW wind 5 to 15 kt becoming NE to 10 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 ft or less.  Tomorrow:  S wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. Tomorrow Night: S wind to 10 kt becoming SE after midnight. Wind  waves 1 ft or less.  


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.