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:
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
Expect the next several days to be nice with a few showers still possible in the foothills (e.g. Maple Falls and Newhalem). Highs will be a few degrees warmer each day beginning with 63 degrees today and warming to around 70 or a little more by Sunday. Lows in the evening will be in the low to mid-40s Newhalem will still be the coolest spot with highs and lows between five and ten degrees cooler than other locations. Winds will be light from the west or southwest at 10 mph or less over the next three days as well. A great weekend to leave the four walls behind and enjoy the outdoors, whether its yardwork or a hike.
River and Stream Conditions
No real changes to the river level over the next five das. There is a slight tendency towards an increase but that is most likely due to a little bit of the snow melt. Snowmelt does bring us to a greater concern; the water in rivers and streams will be very cold. 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
High pressure rebuilds over the northeastern Pacific today and remains through the weekend with weak surface gradients maintaining relatively light flow over the local waters into early next week. Winds. Today: Light wind becoming W to 10 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 1 ft or less. Tonight: NW wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. Tomorrow: SNW wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. Tomorrow Night: W wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. Sunday: Light wind. Wind waves less than 1 ft. Sunday Night: SW wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less.
Tide Information
|
|
|
|
|---|
| DATE | TIME | HIGH TIDE | LOW TIDE |
| 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 |
|
May 22, 2022
| 0652 |
| 5.98 |
May 22, 2022
| 0929 | 6.24 |
|
May 22, 2022
| 1713 |
| -0.30 |
May 23, 2022
| 0116 | 9.65 |
|
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.