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 5 PM PDT THIS AFTERNOON for southeast winds 15-25 knots.  Where: Northern Inland Waters Including The San Juan Islands and Admiralty Inlet.

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 can look forward to mid 50s for the highs coupled with rain showers that will continue throughout most of the day and then simply cloudy overnight.  Winds will be from a southerly direction in the 10-15 mph range with stronger gusts up in Point Roberts.  Lows tonight will be in the mid40s. Tomorrow, we can expect partly sunny skies as the day progresses and mid-50s to go along with it.  Winds will be lighter tomorrow. Newhalem will be about 10 degrees cooler for the high and low temperatures.  Saturday will be much the same-partly sunny with mid-50s for highs.  On Sunday we'll move back into a wet weather pattern for a few days.

RIVERS AND STREAMS: 

The Nooksack River level continues to drop ever-so slowly.  We are likely to see the river move up a foot or two over the next 5-6 days due to rain beginning Sunday.  But, there are no problems anticipated in terms of small streams overflowing their banks or other issues.  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 low will move north through the Coastal Waters today. Onshore  flow will prevail Friday and Saturday with high  pressure  offshore and lower pressure inland. A frontal system  will move  through the area Saturday night and Sunday.  Winds. Today:  SE wind 5 to 15 kt rising to 15 to 25 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 2 ft or less building to 2 to 4 ft in the  afternoon. A chance of rain in the morning then numerous showers  and a slight chance of tstms in the afternoon. Tonight:  SW wind 10 to 20 kt becoming S 5 to 15 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Isolated showers in the evening. Tomorrow:  SW wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less.   Wind waves 2 ft or less. Rain likely.  Tomorrow Night:  SW wind 15 to 25 kt becoming S 10 to 20 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. 

Note:  The current Small Craft Advisory ends later today. Tomorrow night (Friday night) winds again appear to pick up to "Small Craft" advisory levels; so, monitor marine weather for another advisory to be issued.
 

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.