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:  

INLAND WEATHER: A couple of nice days in store for the county today under mostly sunny skies with light winds generally speaking (15mph or less from a west/southwest direction although the northern part of the county will see a northerly flow for a portion of today before the wind makes a shift to the south)). Temperatures will climb to the mid-50s today and upper 50s tomorrow; don't be surprised if there is a 60 degree reading tomorrow.  Overnight lows will be in the low to mid-40s.  New3halem may still have a shower around this morning before becoming mostly cloudy tonight and the mostly sunny tomorrow.  Beginning Sunday, we'll see clouds and the chance for rain off and on.  The showers are expected to continue through Tuesday as things appear now,. Temperatures will still remain in the 50s and mid-40s for most of the county but Newhalem will be 10 degrees cooler both day and night.

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.  This poses no issues from a flood perspective, but if you are going to be on or near the river, expect the level and flow to rise and increase a little.   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

Light onshore flow today and Saturday with high  pressure offshore and lower pressure inland. A frontal system will  move through the area Saturday night and Sunday. Light onshore  flow will resume for the first part of next week.   Winds. Today:  SE wind to 10 kt becoming W 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. Tonight:  SW wind 5 to 15 kt becoming S 10 to 20 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft.  Tomorrow:  S wind 15 to 25 kt easing to 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2 to 4 ft subsiding to 2 ft or less in the afternoon.   Tomorrow Night:  SW wind 5 to 15 kt becoming E to 10 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 ft or less.   Sunday:    SE wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less.   Sunday Night: S wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. 
 

Note:  For Saturday, winds appear to pick up to "Small Craft" advisory levels; so, monitor marine weather for an 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.