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:
ADVISORIES, WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
Environment Canada has issued a "Strong Wind Warning" for the Strait of Georgia-South Nanaimo. Winds northwest 5-15 knots except southeast 5-15 knots south of Tsawwassen this morning. Wind becoming northwest 15-20 knots this afternoon then becoming northwest 15-25 knots early this evening. Wind diminishing to northwest 5-15- knots overnight then becoming light Tuesday morning. Wind becoming southeasterly 5-15 knots near noon Tuesday.
SR-20 (North Cascade Highway) is open but the temperatures still drop to levels where there is a possibility of snow from time to time. Expect the unexpected.
Inland Whatcom County Weather
From a temperature standpoint, it appears we'll stay above the 60 degree mark for the work week. Unfortunately, we won't stay dry. The three days of sun are being replaced by a cloudy, slight chance of rain today in the foothills and south with decreasing clouds north and west. This will be followed by partly cloudy and then mostly cloudy skies tonight and tomorrow. Winds will remain tame generally around 10 mph(a little higher in Point Roberts) from a southerly direction. Today's high will be about 62 degrees. Looking farther out, Tuesday night will bring a chance of showers as will Wednesday. Then Wednesday night we'll have a little break before rain shows up again Thursday and Friday.
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. As we get to Thursday and Friday, the Nooksack River looks like it will see just a slight upturn for a day or two before dropping back down. This is likely due to the rain on Thursday and Friday. No issues are expected from the increase. 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
A weak front will break up over the area today. High pressure will move back in behind it and persist over the waters before weakening Tuesday. A weak front will reach the area Wednesday with a stronger system moving through Friday. Winds. Today: SW wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. A slight chance of rain. Tonight: SW wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Tomorrow: SW wind 5 to 15 kt becoming S in the afternoon. Wind waves, 2 ft or less. Tomorrow Night: SW wind 5 to 15 kt becoming SE after midnight. Wind waves 2 ft or less.
Tide Information
|
|
|
|
|---|
| DATE | TIME | HIGH TIDE | LOW TIDE |
| May 23, 2022 | 0116 | 9.65 |
|
May 23, 2022
| 0804 |
| 4.83 |
May 23, 2022
| 1135 | 5.48 |
|
| May 23, 2022 | 1814 |
| 0.97 |
May 24, 2022
| 0156 | 9.52 |
|
May 24, 2022
| 0853 |
| 3.53 |
May 24, 2022
| 1337 | 5.32 |
|
May 24, 2022
| 1916 |
| 2.25 |
May 25, 2022
| 0230 | 9.34 |
|
May 25, 2022
| 0933 |
| 2.21 |
May 25, 2022
| 1524 | 5.78 |
|
May 25, 2022
| 2018 |
| 3.49 |
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.