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:  

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PDT TODAY for southeast winds 15-25 knots. Where: Northern Inland Waters Including The San Juan Islands.

Environment Canada has issued a "Strong Wind Warning.  Wind east 5-15 knots increasing to southeast 15-25 knots this morning then diminishing to east 10-15 knots after midnight.  Wind diminishing to light Wednesday morning.

INLAND WEATHER: It may say spring on the calendar but we're going to have some chilly temperatures for the remainder of the week with some rain/snow mixtures and snow above 1500' with Nehalem expecting some light snow as well.  Winds will not be strong but with temperatures topping out around 50 or less, it will feel much cooler.  There will also be the chance for showers today and tonight and then partly sunny tomorrow. Highs today will  range from 37 degrees in Newhalem to just over 50 degrees here in Bellingham. There will be some south/southeast winds in the 10-15 mph range with Point Roberts seeing some gusts into the upper 20 mph range or even a little higher. The winds will also switch to a northerly direction. Maple Falls is likely to see some rain/snow mixtures today and tonight also. Lows tonight will be in the 30s  with some mid to upper 20s in the Newhalem area. Tomorrow will remain on the cool side with highs topping out around 50 degrees. Showers will pickup again on Thursday for parts of the county and they are predicted to last into the weekend.

RIVERS AND STREAMS: 

Over the next week, the Nooksack River and small streams are going to remain right about where the are today.  The fields are pretty wet and there is water standing in a lot of them. If we do get any significant precipitation, it is possible for the water to fan out, but that is not expected at this time.  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

An area of low pressure will slide south off the  coast today then move into the Oregon Coastal Waters tonight and  dissipate on Wednesday. A weak onshore flow pattern Thursday and  Friday will turn more northerly on Saturday.  Winds. Today:  SE wind 15 to 25 kt. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. Showers  likely. A slight chance of tstms in the afternoon. Tonight: SE wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. A slight  chance of tstms in the evening. A chance of showers. Tomorrow:  E wind 5 to 15 kt becoming W in the afternoon. Wind waves  2 ft or less. A chance of showers in the morning.  Tomorrow Night:   NW wind to 10 kt becoming E 5 to 15 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 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.