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:
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
As a general statement, most of the county will be cloudy today with the exception of Point Roberts where there will be some decreasing clouds. Temperatures will be in the low to mid-60s for most locations with the exception of Newhalem where the highs will only reach into the mid-50s. There is a chance of some showers early in the day. Tonight will be mostly cloudy with lows around 50 degrees, again with the exception of Newhalem where the lows will drop to the mid-40s. Tomorrow the chance of rain increases which is forecast to last into the evening. Temperatures will be about the same as today. Throughout this period, wind will be from the west/southwest around 10 mph or so. Sumas is forecast to see north/northeast winds in the 10-15 mph range. Expect showers or rain to continue through the weekend with the temperature a few degrees cooler both for highs and lows.
River and Stream Conditions
Looks like the rise in the river level will begin Friday and carry into the weekend; it's not a big rise, more like a foot or two, but if you plan on being on or near the river, you will likely see some of sandbars go under a little bit of water. 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 cross the area waters today with a stronger system arriving Friday. Another system will go by to the south Saturday. Winds. Today: S wind 10 to 20 kt becoming 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. A chance of rain in the morning. Tonight: W wind 5 to 15 kt becoming NW after midnight. Wind waves 2 ft or less. Tomorrow: Light wind. Wind waves less than 1 ft. A slight chance of rain in the morning then rain likely in the afternoon. Tomorrow Night: E wind to 10 kt becoming SW 10 to 20 kt after midnight. Wind waves 1 ft or less building to 1 to 3 ft after midnight.
Tide Information
|
|
|
|
|---|
| DATE | TIME | HIGH TIDE | LOW TIDE |
| May 25, 2022 | 0230 | 9.34 |
|
May 25, 2022
| 0933 |
| 2.21 |
May 25, 2022
| 1524 | 5.78 |
|
| May 25, 2022 | 2018 |
| 3.49 |
May 26, 2022
| 0258 | 9.12 |
|
May 26, 2022
| 1008 |
| 1.00 |
May 26, 2022
| 1648 | 6.58 |
|
May 26, 2022
| 2119 |
| 4.61 |
May 27, 2022
| 0321 | 8.86 |
|
May 27, 2022
| 1039 |
| -0.03 |
May 27, 2022
| 1752 | 7.45 |
|
May 27, 2022
| 2217 |
| 5.54 |
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.