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:  

Environment Canada has issued a "Strong Wind Warning" for the Strait of Georgia-South of Nanaimo. Winds light becoming southeast 5-15 knots early this morning then becoming light this evening.  Wind increasing to southeast 5-15 knots overnight and to southeasterly 15-25 knots Thursday afternoon.
SR-20 (North Cascade Highway) is open; however, 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.

As we move into the rainy part of the this week, we're going to see the Nooksack River rise substantially and one shouldn't be surprised to see small streams rise as well.  We are expecting the Nooksack to remain within its bank but there could be a few exceptions.  First, Slater Road could be impacted as well as River Road (to name a couple).  If that occurs, Public Works is likely to close the road and you will need to detour to other routes for a short period.  Second, there could be some small streams where water is able to back up.  Finally, there is a lot of snow that remains above the 3K' level that still needs to melt and drain into the Nooksack.  Heavier than expected rain could impact the melting.  In addition, the water will be extremely cold so hypothermia should be at the forefront of your mind as well. 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 continues to lift north across the  region early Wednesday. After a brief lull later tonight, a  stronger storm system approaches Thursday bringing stronger winds  and building seas over the coastal waters. Another weaker front  crosses the waters around early Saturday, with increasing onshore  flow later in the weekend. Winds. Today: S wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less.  Tonight: S wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. Tomorrow: SE wind to 10 kt rising to 10 to 20 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2 ft or less building to 2 to 4 ft in the afternoon. A  slight chance of rain in the morning then rain in the afternoon. Tomorrow Night: SE wind 15 to 25 kt easing to 10 to 20 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. 

Note: Currently, no "Small Craft Advisory" has been issued for the 15-25 knots winds tomorrow night. Monitor marine weather for that to occur later. 

Tide Information

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.