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:  

Approximately 2500 Whatcom County residents are without power at this time.

SR-20 (North Cascade Highway) opened a week ago but 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. We are likely to see snow return to the higher elevations as the next weather system moves in with snow dropping down as low as 2300' at times.  The higher elevations could see 4-12 inches of new snow (see Winter Weather Advisory above).
Inland Whatcom County WeatherWinds, rain changing to showers will continue for the lower areas of Whatcom County while a Winter Weather Advisory will continue for the higher elevations above 4000.' While showers will become less over the daytime hours, a chance for thunderstorm will develop and continue into this evening. Temperatures will be in the mid to upper 50s today and again tomorrow.  L:ows will drop into the mid-40s.  Wind  and gusts from the southwest will reach 40 mph or a little stronger for the coastal areas of the county and a little weaker in the interior parts of the county.  Point Roberts will continue to see some southerly winds tomorrow with gusts near 30 mph or a little stronger.  Showers will still be around the county tomorrow but there will also be areas of partly skies. As we move into tomorrow night, skies across the county should be partly cloudy. The good news then is both Friday and Saturday should be mostly sunny with temperatures reaching the low to mid 60s or even upper 60s in Bellingham.  Looking a little farther into the future, it looks like there in another small weather system that will drop precipitation on the area by early to mid-week, next week.

RIVERS AND STREAMS: 

The Nooksack River will see a little bump from the rain last night and today but it may not even be noticed.  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

No coastal weather information beyond the "Gale Warning" information above is available from the NWS at the time of this posting. Gale force winds are projected to continue until later today followed by winds that fall into the "Small Craft Advisory" category.  Continue to monitor marine weather for future updates which could impact open water activity.

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.