Active Incidents
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.
ADVISORIES, WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
Environment Canada has issued a "Strong Wind Warning" for the Strait of Georgia-South of Nanaimo. Wind west at 10-15 knots increasing to northwest 15-25 knots this morning then becoming northwest 15-20 knots early this evening. Wind diminishing to northwest 5-15 nots near midnight then becoming light Friday morning.
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.
Inland Whatcom County Weather
While there will still be a chance for some lingering showers in the Sumas area and foothills today, other areas will be treated to partly sunny skies. Temperatures will still be in the 50s but alas, that to will change beginning tomorrow when we will see a little warming trend that will break into the 60s and keep us there for the next several days. As a matter of fact, the NWS is threatening Maple Falls with the possibility of a 70 degree reading on Sunday. Some wind will still bother places like Point Robert and Sumas where gusts could climb above 20 mph out of the west/northwest. Low temperatures will continue to drop into the upper 30s or low 50s for tonight but they too will warm up to the upper 40s by the end of the week. All-in-all, some nice weather is working its way into the area for the weekend so if you have the chance to get out and take advantage of that, do so.
River and Stream Conditions
The Nooksack River and streams are gradually dropping in level and that will continue over the weekend. With the warmer temperatures, there will be a little more snow melt which will lead to some small ebb and flow scenarios. The bigger concern under these conditions is the temperatures of the water. The water will be very cold so, if you plan on any river activity that will put you in contact with the water, keep hypothermia in the back of your mind and its effects on the body. 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 continues with west or northwest winds over the waters today, maintaining a push through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. High pressure begins to build late Thursday over the northeastern Pacific and will hold over the waters into the weekend. Winds. Today: W wind 15 to 20 kt easing to 10 to 20 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. A slight chance of showers. Tonight: SW wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. Tomorrow: S wind to 10 kt becoming W in the afternoon. Wind waves less than 1 ft. Tomorrow Night: W wind to 10 kt becoming SW after midnight. Wind waves 1 ft or less.
Tide Information
|
|
|
|
|---|
| DATE | TIME | HIGH TIDE | LOW TIDE |
| May 19, 2022 | 0242 |
| 7.22 |
May 19, 2022
| 0626 | 8.39 |
|
May 19, 2022
| 1426 |
| -3.04 |
| May 19, 2022 | 2238 | 9.98 |
|
May 20, 2022
| 0355 |
| 7.19 |
May 20, 2022
| 0710 | 7.89 |
|
May 20, 2022
| 1519 |
| -2.39 |
May 20, 2022
| 2335 | 9.89 |
|
May 21, 2022
| 0521 |
| 6.80 |
May 21, 2022
| 0805 | 7.16 |
|
May 21, 2022
| 1614 |
| -1.45 |
May 22, 2022
| 0029 | 9.78 |
|
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.