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:
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PDT TODAY for south winds 15-25 knots. Location: Northern Inland Waters Including The San Juan Islands.
SR-20 (North Cascade Highway) is open but the temperatures can still drop to levels where there is a possibility of snow from time to time. Expect the unexpected. Additionally, there are several areas that will need to have emergency repairs this spring/summer/fall. Traffic control lights are placed at those locations. Long delays should be expected especially over long weekends and holidays. In addition to emergency repairs there are areas where normal road maintenance is scheduled along with several culvert replacements for fish passage. Check WSDOT website for current conditions before traveling.
Inland Whatcom County Weather
We're looking for a chance of showers today and tonight followed by a chance of rain Saturday thru Sunday. Temperatures will hold fairly steady in a range between 62 and 66 degrees with the exception of Newhalem where the temperatures will be about 6-10 degrees cooler. Low will drop into the mid to upper 40s. Again, a little cooler in Newhalem. The wind will be quite variable with Point Roberts seeing some moderate winds tomorrow from the west/northwest. Other areas will be less from the south/southwest. Once we get past the rain, Monday and Tuesday look to be partly cloudy/ sunny and a little warmer for most of the county. Newhalem will still see a chance of rain on Memorial Day, then mostly cloudy Monday night followed by a chance of rain on Tuesday.
Rivers and Streams
No issues posed by the rain for our rivers and streams. We are seeing the Nooksack a little higher in the South Fork and Middle Fork at the moment; the Ferndale gauge will start to record increases a little later today. There will not be any flooding but be aware of the river and stream flows if you are going to be on or near the river. 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
Gradually easing onshore flow today and tonight. A second frontal system will move inland to the south on Saturday with a period of onshore flow later Saturday into early next week. Winds. Today: S wind 15 to 25 kt easing to 10 to 20 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. A chance of showers. Tonight: NW wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. A chance of showers. Tomorrow: E wind to 10 kt becoming NW in the afternoon. Wind waves 2 ft or less. A slight chance of rain. Tomorrow Night: NW wind 10 to 20 kt becoming SW 15 to 25 kt after midnight. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. Sunday: W wind 10 to 20 kt becoming SW 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Sunday Night: SW wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. Monday: SW wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less.
Tide Information
|
|
|
|
|---|
| DATE | TIME | HIGH TIDE | LOW TIDE |
| May 27, 2022 | 0321 | 8.86 |
|
May 27, 2022
| 1039 |
| -0.03 |
May 27, 2022
| 1752 | 7.45 |
|
| May 27, 2022 | 2217 |
| 5.54 |
May 28, 2022
| 0342 | 8.58 |
|
May 28, 2022
| 1108 |
| -0.81 |
May 28, 2022
| 1845 | 8.22 |
|
May 28, 2022
| 2313 |
| 6.26 |
May 29, 2022
| 0401 | 8.30 |
|
May 29, 2022
| 1136 |
| -1.35 |
May 29, 2022
| 1929 | 8.82 |
|
May 30, 2022
| 0008 |
| 6.76 |
Emergency Management Tips and Reminders
Spring
With the type of spring we've been having, vegetation has had exceptional growing conditions. The problem will begin to develop when the wet weather begins to subside and temperatures continue to warm up. As the vegetation dries out, the risk of fire danger begins to increase. Dry vegetation next to one's home or other building can ignite easily and transfer the fire to the structure. Likewise, tall grass and bushed that reach into the trees can act as ladder fuels and enable fire to climb into the trees which can then be moved by embers farther and faster. Now is the time to begin removing excess vegetation before it reaches that higher risk category.
Now also is the time when a lot of us are planting flowers and shrubs around our homes and yards. When selecting flowers or shrubs, it is highly recommended that you plant native flowers and shrubs as these types of vegetation naturally grow here. Plants that are not native may dry out faster, have oils that could produce hotter flames, and ignite faster than native plants. Firewise is a national program that provides some guidance on how to prepare your home for wildfire.
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire
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.