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 North Cascades Highway Clearing Starts March 23rd.  There is no opening dates established yet as once crews are finished clearing the road, they must complete any repairs that may be required from the winter conditions.  Stay tuned or check WSDOT for more updated information.

INLAND WEATHER: Possible showers (off and on) thru Saturday night. Temperatures around 50 degrees for coast and interior parts of the county with cooler temperatures in the foothills and Newhalem. Wind will be from the south/southeast switching to the northeast.  Most areas will see winds under 15 mph but Point Roberts will see gusts that could reach into a low 20mph range. Lows tonight and tomorrow night will be in the mid 30s.  Newhalem will  see lows in the 20s.  With these lower temperatures, you should expect to see some snow showers with little to no accumulation. Easter will see sunny to partly sunny skies with temperatures a little warmer (mid-50s) but then, in the evening, more clouds will  roll  in and the showers and rain will  return.  Some higher elevations will see a rain/snow mixture or snow showers Sunday night.

RIVERS AND STREAMS: 

Look for the Nooksack River and small streams to rise a little on Tuesday due to the drainage from the rain on Monday and Monday night.  It's not going to be anything extreme.  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

Weak low pressure is over Western Washington. A weather  system will move into northern California and Oregon Friday night and Saturday and onshore flow will increase into Western  Washington. A front will reach the coastal waters Sunday evening  and move slowly ashore through Monday evening.  Winds. Today:  SE wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. Isolated  showers. Tonight: E wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. Isolated  showers after midnight.  Tomorrow:   NE wind 5 to 15 kt becoming NW in the afternoon. Wind  waves 2 ft or less. A chance of showers.  Tomorrow Night:   SW wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Sunday: SE wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. Sunday Night: E wind to 10 kt becoming SE 5 to 15 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 ft or less. 

Tide Information 

0658

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.