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:  

SR 20 Both Directions.  Monday, April 11 to Thursday, April 14-- Traffic for both directions of SR 20 will alternate a single lane at Van Horn Lane (milepost 91) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 

INLAND WEATHER: Cooler temperatures with some northerly winds continue to stick around. Strongest of the winds will continue to be in the Point Roberts area with some gusts into the mid-20mph range. Highs today in the lower areas of the county will be in the low 50s with lows tonight in the mid-30s. Newhalem will be around 10 degrees cooler today and tonight. Frost or ice could form on the roads in the Newhalem area so be prepared for that type of driving. Tomorrow will be partly sunny for most of the county, but clouds in the foothills will continue to give us the possibility of a shower. A chance for a shower will continue in the foothills while other areas of the county will see periods or sun and clouds and the possibility of a stray shower over the next three days. Temperatures will not change much until Sunday when we may see temperatures five or six degrees warmer.

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

Weakening low pressure is over the area. Weather  systems will move into northern California and Oregon through the  weekend. A front will reach Western Washington Monday or Monday  night.   Winds. Today:  NE wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. A slight  chance of showers. Tonight:  NW wind to 10 kt becoming E after midnight. Wind waves  2 ft or less.  Tomorrow:  E wind 5 to 15 kt becoming NW in the afternoon. Wind waves  2 ft or less. A slight chance of showers in the afternoon.   Tomorrow Night:   NW wind 5 to 15 kt becoming SE 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.