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:  

GALE WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PDT TODAY for southwest winds 25 to 35 knots.  Where:  Northern Inland Waters Including The San Juan Islands
Environment Canada has a Strong Wind Warning in Effect for the Strait of Georgia-South o Nanaimo.  Winds southwest 15-25 knots veering to northwesterly 15-25 knots this morning then diminishing to northwest 5-15 knots late this afternoon.  Wind becoming light late overnight then becoming east 5-15 knots Wednesday morning.  Wind becoming light Wednesday afternoon.

WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM PDT THIS FTERNOON ABOVE 2500 FEET for heavy snow above 2500 feet. Additional snow accumulations
of 6 to 10 inches. WHERE: Cascade mountains and valleys of Whatcom and Skagit Counties, including Maple Falls, the Mount Baker Ski Area, and Nehalem and other areas south.
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: 
As this current weather system continues to move out of the area, there will be a chance for a shower in the lower areas of the county while the Winter Storm Warning continues above 2500'.  Wind will continue to blow from the west/northwest with gusts in the Point Roberts area still reaching into the mid-30mph range.  Other areas of the county will see gusts reach into the mid to upper 20mph range. Without the wind, temperatures would be somewhat pleasant as they will approach 50 degrees, but with the wind chill, they will feel much colder. This evening, low temperatures will drop into the low to mid-30s so it will feel very chilly. And, there is likley to be frost or ice on the road in the foothills as temperatures are likely to drop into the mid to upper 20s. Skies are predicted to be mostly clear this evening. Tomorrow we will see increasing clouds with temperatures again in the low 50s for most areas, cooler in the foothills. Lows tomorrow night will be in the mid-30s to low 40s. Thursday will be partly sunny but increasing clouds will result in the chance for rain beginning Thursday night and lasting through Friday night as things stand now.

RIVERS AND STREAMS: 

The Nooksack and small streams are starting to pull back and will continue to do so until the next weather system arrives causing a little bit of a rise in levels once again.  Low spots and depressions will once again fill with water keeping the ground saturated.  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

Strong westerly flow will ease this afternoon as  high pressure builds into the area. High surf over the coastal  waters will subside later today. There will be a break in the  weather Wednesday and Thursday. An upper trough will move over the  region with onshore flow developing for the end of the week.   Winds. Today:  SW wind 25 to 35 kt easing to 20 to 30 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 4 to 6 ft. A chance of showers in the  morning then a slight chance of showers in the afternoon. Tonight: 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. A slight chance of showers in the evening.  Tomorrow:  E wind 5 to 15 kt becoming N in the afternoon. Wind waves  2 ft or less.   Tomorrow Night: NW wind to 10 kt becoming NE after midnight. Wind  waves 1 ft or less. 

 
Tide Information 

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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.