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 Started March 24th.  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.  It is estimated the clearing takes 4-6 weeks. Stay tuned or check WSDOT for more updated information.

INLAND WEATHER: We are staring into the face of a wet week. Chance for rain will increase as the day goes on and southerly winds will also increase a little - nothing extreme but gusts into the low 20 mph range in the Bellingham area and Point Roberts experiencing some gusts into the 30-36 mph range; Sumas will see some northeast wind today switching to the southwest tonight.  Temperatures will be stuck in the low to mid-50s for the high temps and the lows overnight in the upper 30 to around 40 degrees. Maple Falls will see highs about the same as everyone else but the lows will be few degrees cooler overnight. Newhalem will be about 10 degrees cooler both for the high and low with snow levels dropping to 1900-2400'.  Some rain/snow mixtures are likely to occur but it's highly unlikely there will be any accumulations.

RIVERS AND STREAMS: 

Look for the Nooksack River and small streams to rise a little on Tuesday into Wednesday due to the drainage from the rain Monday thru Tuesday.  As a matter 0f fact, if you're not on or around the river, you may not even notice the change.  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

Front passing through the region will bring gales  and building seas to the coastal waters as it pushes onshore.  Stronger onshore flow follows, with another front likely to reach  the waters by the middle of the week. Winds. Today:  SE wind 20 to 30 kt. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. Rain. Tonight: SW wind 20 to 30 kt easing to 15 to 25 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. Rain. 
Tomorrow:   S wind 10 to 20 kt becoming 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Showers likely.  Tomorrow Night:   SW wind 5 to 15 kt becoming E 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.