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:  

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING for southeast winds 15-25 knots.  Location: East Entrance U. S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca, Northern Inland Waters Including The San Juan Islands and Admiralty Inlet.

Environment Canada has issued a "Strong Wind Warning" for the Strait of Georgia-South of Nanaimo. Wind southeast 5-15 knots increasing to southeasterly 15-25 knots near noon then diminishing to southeast 10-15 knots after midnight.  Wind increasing to southeasterly 15-20 knots Friday afternoon then diminishing to southeast 5-15 knots Friday evening.
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.

Rainfall estimates have been cut by at least a third  which bodes well for river levels and small streams.  None of the projected readings cross the action level with the exception of Ferndale, and that is just barely across the threshold.  That means, flooding will not be an issue; however, the Nooksack and some small streams will be running fairly full.  Take that into account if you have activities that take you in close proximity of the river.  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 stronger storm system will approach and move into  the area waters today, bringing strong winds and building seas  over the coastal waters. Another weaker front will cross the  waters early Saturday, followed by increasing onshore flow for the  start of next week   Winds. Today: SE wind to 10 kt rising to 15 to 25 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 1 ft or less building to 2 to 4 ft in the afternoon. A  chance of rain in the morning then rain in the afternoon.  Tonight: SE wind 15 to 25 kt easing to 10 to 20 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. Rain in the evening then a chance  of rain after midnight. Tomorrow: SE wind to 10 kt becoming S 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. A slight chance of rain in the morning  then a chance of rain in the afternoon. Tomorrow Night: S wind 5 to 15 kt becoming to 10 kt after midnight.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. 

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.