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:  

INLAND WEATHER: Great spring day today with temperatures reaching the mid-60s in Bellingham and interior parts of the county.  It will be cloudy and there will be some southwest wind but overall, a very nice day. The evening will bring changes as the next weather system enters the area and we can expect showers to develop very late tonight or early tomorrow morning.  Low temperatures will drop to them mid to upper 40s. Tomorrow will not be so nice as the high is expected to reach 49 degrees. There will be a breeze but nothing excessive 10-15 mph from the south/southwest. The snow levels are going to drop substantially and during periods of heavy rain, we may see some heavy wet snow mixed in with the rain. Higher elevations are calling for some moderate amounts of snow accumulation so, if you're headed to the higher elevations or traveling over the passes, expect encountering winter driving conditions.  Lows tomorrow night will continue to be colder, probably in the mid to upper 30s.  As for the extended forecast, the National Weather Service is looking for rain/snow mixtures off and on throughout the weekend.  Accumulations at lower elevation are unlikely as the ground is above freezing.

RIVERS AND STREAMS: 

Things are still on track for the Nooksack and small streams to rise due to the rain tomorrow. By Saturday, you will see the levels a couple of feet higher than today. That still leaves them well below any flood level but the level will be higher and the current running faster.  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 give way to onshore flow this evening. A  cold front will move through Western Washington Friday morning. A  trough will be over the region for the weekend.   Winds. Today:  E wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less.  Tonight: SW wind to 10 kt becoming S 15 to 25 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 1 ft or less building to 2 to 4 ft after  midnight. A slight chance of rain in the evening then a chance of  rain after midnight. Tomorrow:  SW wind to 10 kt becoming 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. Rain likely in the morning then showers  likely and a slight chance of tstms in the afternoon.   Tomorrow Night: W wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. 

Note:  The winds tonight are in the "Small Craft Advisory" range. Even thought one has not been issued yet, it is likely to occur later today.  Monitor marine weather as these announcements can be made anytime.

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.