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 NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 AM PDT THURSDAY for southeast winds 15 to 30 kt.  Where: Northern Inland Waters Including The San Juan Islands.

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 going to see some sunny to partly sunny skies today clouding up this evening and providing us with a chance of rain through tomorrow night. High temperatures will generally be in the mid to upper 50s both today and tomorrow.  Newhalem will only get up to the mid to upper 40s for the highs and then drop down to around 35 for the lows.  Lows for the rest of the county will be in the 40s. The harder task is to find a general reading on the wind. Sumas appears slated to receive the strongest wind gusts-up to 30 mph-while the rest of will se winds 20 mph or less.  Winds in Bellingham will start out from the east and switch to north/northeast later. Newhalem will also see some wind with gusts to 21 mph out of the north/northeast.  Point Roberts will see east wind switching to southeast later.  Once we get to Friday, we should see partly sunny to mostly sunny skies.  High temperatures seem to be stuck in the mid to upper 50s though.

RIVERS AND STREAMS: 

The Nooksack River level continues to drop ever-so slowly.  the rain beginning late tonight and tomorrow may cause it to rise a foot or two but its low level will keep it well below any high water concerns.  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

A frontal system will move through the area today.  A low will move to the coast well to the south of the area on  Thursday. Onshore flow will prevail Friday and Saturday with high  pressure offshore and lower pressure inland. A second frontal  system will reach the area on Sunday.   Winds. Today:  E wind 15 to 25 kt becoming SE 20 to 30 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. A chance of rain in the  afternoon. Tonight: SE wind 20 to 30 kt easing to 15 to 25 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. Rain in the evening then a slight  chance of rain after midnight. Tomorrow:   S wind to 10 kt becoming SW 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. Rain likely.  Tomorrow Night:   SW wind 5 to 15 kt. 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.