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

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.

As of today, eligible travelers to Canada, no longer need a PCR or antigen COVID-19 test to enter Canada.  However, you must complete a questionnaire on the ArriveCAN app or on the government's website within 72 hours before entering Canada.  Travelers will answer a series of questions and must upload digital proof of vaccination in English or French.  See https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/covid-vaccinated-travellers-entering-canada for additional information.

GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM PDT TUESDAY for southwest winds 30 to 40 knots.  Where:  Northern Inland Waters Including The San Juan Islands
HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT THIS EVENING for south winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. WHERE: San Juan County, Western Whatcom County, Western   Skagit County and Admiralty Inlet Area.
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM PDT TUESDAY ABOVE 2500 FEET for heavy snow above 2500 feet. Additional snow accumulations
of 12 to 24 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. WHERE:  Cascade mountains and valleys of Whatcom and Skagit Counties, including Maple Falls, the Mount Baker Ski Area, Newhalem and other areas.
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.
Environment Canada has issued a Gale Warning for the Strait of Georgia-South of Nanaimo.  Wind southwest 25-35 knots with gusts to 40 knots becoming southwest 20-30 knots near noon with gusts to 35 knots ending tis evening.  Wind veering to northwest 25 knots Tuesday morning then diminishing to northwest 15 knots Tuesday afternoon. Wind diminishing to light Tuesday evening.

INLAND WEATHER: 
We're going to have southwest wind today, tonight and tomorrow especially in Point Roberts.  We're all under a high wind warning for today and into this evening, but wind with gusts to 45 mph will continue in Point Roberts throughout the night and into tomorrow. Showers will continue through tomorrow night for most of the county.  High temperatures will range from 35 in Newhalem to around 50 degrees in Bellingham. Tonight's lows will drop into the low 40s for most areas but Newhalem will see 32 degrees. Snow will continue in the higher elevations and could drop to the 1800 or 1900 level  this evening and tomorrow. Tomorrow's highs will be a little cooler than today and tomorrow night's lows under partly cloudy skies in areas will drop to 35 degrees with Newhalem coming at 27 degrees.  Some ice and definitely frost are definitely possibilities. 

RIVERS AND STREAMS: 

The Nooksack and small streams are starting to rise, thanks to the rainfall from last night.  This will continue throughout the day and into tomorrow.  No flooding will occur from this weather system.  Low spots and depressions will once again fill with water keeping the ground saturated.  If you see water flowing over the road, do not attempt to drive through it; simply turn around an use a different route.  You'll end up losing 5-10 minutes of time but the alternative could be very costly.  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 strong frontal system moving through area waters  today resulting in widespread gales over area waters ahead of the  front. It will be followed by a very strong onshore push with  continued gales and high surf on the coast and gale strength  westerlies through the strait into Tuesday morning. A broad  surface ridge builds over the area midweek allowing winds to ease  and seas to subside.  Winds. Today:  SW wind 25 to 35 kt. Wind waves 4 to 6 ft. A chance of  rain. Tonight: SW wind 25 to 35 kt. Wind waves 4 to 6 ft. A chance of  rain.  Tomorrow: W wind 20 to 30 kt. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. A chance of rain  in the morning then a slight chance of rain in the afternoon.   Tomorrow Night:  W wind 15 to 25 kt easing to 5 to 15 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft subsiding to 2 ft or less after  midnight.  

Note: The "gale warning" is in effect until tomorrow morning; however, the winds will continue to be strong and a "small craft advisory" is likely to be issued on the heels of the gale warning. Make sure you watch for that. 
 
Tide Information 

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Em1346ergency Management Tips and Reminders

Winter T2040ravel

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.