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

UPDATES:  

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING for southwest winds 15-25 knots.  Locations: Northern Inland Waters Including The San Juan Islands.

SR-20 (North Cascade Highway) opened last Tuesday at 10:00am. The Spring 2022 cleanup is complete.  Keep in mind many of the Forest Service and Park Service facilities remain closed. Also, there remains the possibility of occasional snow at higher elevations along with the risk of avalanches. So enjoy, but remain vigilant for potential dangers. 

INLAND WEATHER: While there will be a couple of breaks this week from precipitation, the general trend is a wet work week with temperatures in the mid to upper 50s with a 60 degree day tomorrow in Bellingham and later in the week. Precipitation today will give way to mostly cloudy skies later and mostly cloudy to partly cloudy skies tomorrow. Temperatures in lower areas of the county will be near 60 in Bellingham, and a little cooler in the foothills. Newhalem will remain in the upper 40s for the high.  Lows will  drop into the mid-40s except higher elevations where mid-30s will dominate. Wind will fluctuate between southwest, west, and northwest but only Point Roberts will see gusts up to 21 mph.  All other locations will remain 10 mph or lower. Expect rain to begin again tomorrow night and continue through Thursday at which time we'll return to cloudy skies.

RIVERS AND STREAMS: 

The south and middle forks of the Nooksack River are slowly dropping at this time with the Ferndale area expected to peak a little later today and then drop.  None of the readings posed any issues.  The rain over the next several days will cause the river level to rise to levels similar to those we just experienced, so no problems are anticipated.  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

Onshore flow today will ease by Tuesday. A  vigorous frontal system will move through the area Tuesday night  and Wednesday, followed by more onshore flow Thursday and Friday. Tomorrow:  SW wind 15 to 25 kt. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. A chance of  showers in the morning then a slight chance of showers in the  afternoon. Tonight:  W wind 15 to 25 kt easing to 10 to 20 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. A slight chance of showers in the  evening. Tomorrow:  S wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less.  Tomorrow Night:  SW wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. 

Tide Information

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.