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 IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 5 AM PDT THURSDAY for West winds 15 to 25 kt. This includes 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.  WSDOT has begun clearing the road from the winter snow and anticipates it will  take 4-6 weeks to complete.  There may be additional repairs to the road once it is cleared so the target for opening is likely to change.  Stay tuned.

Inland WeatherWe can expect rain today and tonight with the possibility a few showers could stretch into tomorrow morning.  High temperatures will be around 50 degree for most locations with the exception of Newhalem where the temperature will be 5-8 degrees cooler for both highs and lows. South/southwest winds will cover the area with Point Roberts, Sumas, and Newhalem seeing gusts in the 18-20 mph or a little higher.  Tomorrow should be drier with some areas seeing partly sunny skies though temperatures will be few degrees cooler. Thursday night will be mostly cloudy with lows in the mid 30s and then we're back into a rain pattern for the remainder of the week.  Newhalem could see some rain/snow mixtures and the snow level will drop to a range between 1700' and 2500' though accumulations should be minimal.

Rivers and Streams

Very little change in the river level over the next five days.  There will be a little bump from the rain in the middle of the week.  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

A weak front will continue to push across the  waters this morning, with unsettled conditions in its wake. Weak  high pressure builds into the area Thursday. Another weak front  arrives Friday. A stronger front will move through the area  early next week.  Winds. Today:  SW wind 10 to 20 kt becoming W 15 to 25 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft building to 2 to 4 ft in the  afternoon. Rain likely in the morning then a chance of rain in  the afternoon. Tonight: W wind 15 to 25 kt. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. A slight  chance of rain. Tomorrow: W wind 10 to 20 kt becoming 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. A slight chance of rain. Tomorrow Night:  SW wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 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.